Kixx Offering Life After The Game

Children’s football academy franchise, Kixx, is becoming an attractive business option for footballers, reaching the end of their playing careers.

Recently, Kixx announced Doncaster Rovers appearance record holder, James Coppinger, had become a franchisee, opening Kixx Middlesbrough in September.

Other pro footballers on the Kixx Franchisee list, include former Mansfield, Wrexham and current Hereford defender, Martin Riley, also a Kixx Franchisee in Wolverhampton.

There are 10 ex pro footballers, and footballers who had careers cut short with injury at young age.

Kixx, was founded in Doncaster by former footballer, Ben Hunter, in 2011.

In the last 8 years it has launched over 30 different franchises in England with tens of thousands of children attending session every week.

James Coppinger commented: "From the very first meeting I had with Ben, I knew Kixx was something I wanted to be part of.

“The Kixx vision and values along with the opportunity to grow my own business is what really excites me. There has been someone there to help every step of the way and I feel very confident it will be a huge success. I would recommend this opportunity to anyone looking to mix business with football or sport in general.

“My career has spanned 20 years, and over that time I have learn’t so much from my experiences, the good ones, and the bad. Not only is this a great business investment but it’s also a great opportunity to help children in Middlesborough and other fantastic areas of the north east. It’s a career move that’s motivated by making a difference to children’s lives and for me, that is one of the most rewarding things we could ever ask for.”

Although they are attracting many footballers, Ben Hunter stresses that a footballing background isn’t actually essential, more so the passion to make a difference.

Mr Hunter said: “We are thrilled to attract names like James Coppinger and Martin Riley, it’s testament to the work our team do at Kixx.

“To attract a person like James, who will still continue to play professionally at an extremely high level, truly showcases how far the brand has come, and the impact Kixx continues to make.

“However we also have coaches, former physiotherapists, school teachers and simply those who have the dedication and passion to make a difference. They have all gone onto grow successful academies which shows it’s more down to the mindset and drive, than it is your background.”