Former Royal Air Force Chief Technician has traded warplanes for working with children and has turned his passion for playing and coaching sport into a new full-time career.

Ian, 41, has joined the growing ranks of the SportsCoach empire and is running his own franchise on the Lancashire Riviera at Lytham St Annes.

Ian was posted to Lancashire in 2004 and settled his family in the area. However, within 12 months a further posting was imminent, "The redundancy tranches were announced, and my wife and I felt it was time to have more stability. I applied to SportsCoach and following a successful interview; my dream of working for myself in a sporting environment was now going to be a reality.

"I believe it was always what I wanted to do. I have always wanted to work in sport, I love working with children, I have done a lot of coaching, and I wanted to run my own business."

He said "The opportunities to play and coach various sports in the Forces are immense and I was worried that I would have to leave all this behind. However, I attended a couple of courses in Accounting and Management, which gave me a lot of confidence to start up this business. The beauty of Franchising is that you are not alone, and there is a formula with a proven track record to follow.

"Dealing with nearly 50 children is obviously a contrast to having to negotiate major project issues with different stakeholders in meetings or having numerous team responsibilities, but I've got two young children, so I knew what to expect."

Ian concluded, "I would strongly recommend to other servicemen and women preparing to leave the Forces that although running your own business requires much effort, particularly in the earlier stages, to have the enjoyment of working with children in a sports related environment is extremely satisfying. Additionally, and crucially, professional business support or advice is always available from SportsCoach Head Office when required.”

But now the former Royal Air Force Chief Technician has traded warplanes for working with children and has turned his passion for playing and coaching sport into a new full-time career.



SportsCoach is now recruiting its next phase of Franchisees.
Applicants must be motivated, hard working and passionate about sport.

For an information pack call 01932 256262
or visit www.sportscoach.co.uk