⚽︎ Joe Dixon: Growing YP Football Coaching Business in Yorkshire
Soccer Coaching Business sat down with Joe Dixon, founder of YP Football Academy, to talk about his journey from player to coach, how he turned a side hustle into a thriving training business, and what it takes to grow a coaching brand in today’s competitive football training landscape.
Starting the Journey
Leo: Joe, tell us how your coaching journey began and how it developed into a business.
Joe: I’ve always had a playing background — I grew up playing every sport I could, but football was always the main one. I played for a few clubs before suffering an injury that made me question what I wanted to do outside of playing. That’s when I discovered coaching.
Funny enough, I actually started out studying engineering before switching to sports. Once I got into coaching, I fell in love with it. I began working with clubs like Sheffield United and Bradford City.
Later, I went to Canada for a year, where I saw a real gap in the market — players needed extra training outside of their club commitments. That’s where the idea for YP Football Academy came from. It started as a small side hustle — just one-to-one sessions to make a bit of extra income — but it quickly grew. Players loved the personal touch and the relationships we built.
When I came back to England, the pandemic hit. With restrictions in place, I decided to offer one-to-one sessions outdoors. I posted on Facebook, and the response was amazing. From five or six clients, I grew to being fully booked — and that’s when I realised it could be something more serious.
Turning Passion into a Business
Leo: When did it go from side hustle to full business?
Joe: During lockdown, demand exploded. I brought on other coaches I knew who were also furloughed, and we were running 30–40 sessions a day with five coaches. Parents loved what we offered because it was intense, high-quality, and consistent.
After the lockdowns, parents kept asking what I’d do next — and that’s when I created YP Football Academy as a proper brand. I wanted it to represent more than just me. Now, players want to train with YP, not just “Joe Dixon.” That’s a huge milestone.
What Makes YP Football Academy Different
Leo: What kind of training do you specialise in?
Joe: We focus on technical training — improving ball mastery, one-v-one skills, and confidence under pressure. The game is so much faster now that every player, no matter the position, needs to be technically sharp.
We have five phases:
Pre-Academy (U8) – fundamentals, fun, and movement.
Game Development (8–12) – small-sided games and tactical understanding.
Player Development Programme (PDP) – small groups, high intensity, for players close to academy level.
Elite Training & One-to-Ones – focused technical work.
Scholarship & Performance – preparing older players for senior football or U.S. scholarships.
We’ve had around 15–16 players sign with academies through our PDP programme in just two years, which we’re really proud of.
Scaling Up and Managing Growth
Leo: A lot of coaches struggle to move from one-to-one sessions to group training. How did you handle that transition?
Joe: At first, I worried about losing that personal feel. But I promised parents the intensity and quality would stay the same. We designed sessions so players act as partners and take turns being “the coach.” That way, they stay engaged, accountable, and we still keep that one-to-one focus within a group.
Scaling up was about being adaptable — taking any pitch time I could find, building trust with my coaching team, and keeping standards high. I’ve had the same group of coaches from the start, and they’ve really bought into the brand.
Challenges and Lessons Learned
Leo: What have been the biggest challenges?
Joe: Equipment and pitch space — without question. We use a lot of gear, so transporting and storing it is always a challenge. Pitch availability is another big issue, especially as we’ve grown.
We’ve also learned a lot about keeping things accessible. We want YP to be affordable for families while still maintaining high standards.
Building the Business Side
Leo: How do you handle payments and client management?
Joe: We moved away from cash pretty quickly. Everything’s now done online through monthly plans or six-week training blocks. For one-to-ones, we require clients to commit to six-week packages — no single sessions. It helps players stay consistent and gives us predictable income.
We often say to parents, “We’re hard to get in with, but once you’re in, we’re loyal.” That mindset keeps demand high and relationships strong.
Advice for Other Coaches
Leo: What advice would you give to coaches trying to go full-time?
Joe: Use your daytime wisely. Partner with schools for PE programs or after-school clubs — it builds your network and can lead to more evening clients.
Also, don’t make it about you. Build a brand. That’s how you scale and attract other coaches who believe in your philosophy.
And finally, don’t copy others — adapt. Learn from different ideas and make them your own. Football is a game of opinions, so not everyone will like your methods, and that’s fine. Stay true to what works for you and your players.
Looking Ahead
Leo: Where do you see YP Football Academy in five years?
Joe: Our goal is to be the leading additional training provider in Yorkshire. We don’t want to grow too fast — just maintain quality.
We also want our own indoor training facility: a warehouse with turf, gym space, and classrooms. A place where players, pros, and coaches can train, learn, and grow together all year round.
Leo: That’s a great vision, Joe. Thanks so much for sharing your story — and for giving our readers and viewers a real behind-the-scenes look at what it takes to build a successful coaching academy.
Joe: Thank you! It’s been a pleasure.
Ready to Grow Your Coaching Business?
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⚽︎ How to Grow a Private Soccer Coaching Business with No Money
Starting a personal soccer coaching business might sound expensive — after all, you might imagine needing fancy gear, a rented pitch, and professional advertising. But the truth is, you can launch and grow a soccer coaching business with little or no money if you use smart strategies, free tools, and the right mindset.
Whether you’re an ex-player, a certified coach, or just passionate about the sport, this guide will show you how to build a sustainable soccer coaching brand from scratch.
Define Your Coaching Niche
The first step to success is specialization. Not every soccer player is your target client. Ask yourself:
Do you want to train kids, teen athletes, or adults?
Will your focus be on technical skills, fitness, or tactical understanding?
Do you want to offer 1-on-1 sessions, small group training, or online programs?
By narrowing your niche, you’ll attract the right clients faster and stand out from general coaches.
💡 Example: “I help young midfielders improve their passing accuracy and vision on the field.”
Build Your Brand — for Free
Your brand is how people perceive you. You don’t need a marketing agency; start with:
A simple logo using free tools like Canva.
Social media pages (Instagram, TikTok, Facebook) where you share drills, tips, and before-and-after results.
A Google Business Profile to show up in local searches.
Post regularly. Share videos of your training sessions, testimonials, or mini soccer challenges to build credibility.
💡 Tip: Consistency is more valuable than a perfect post.
Start Coaching — Even Without a Field
You don’t need to rent an expensive training ground. Start where you can:
Use local parks or school fields (get permission if needed).
Offer home training sessions if clients have space.
Launch virtual soccer lessons via Zoom or YouTube.
At the start, focus on building trust and collecting results — even if you coach a few players for free. Those early wins become your marketing foundation.
Leverage Word-of-Mouth and Referrals
When you have no marketing budget, referrals are gold.
Encourage your first clients to:
Bring a friend for a discounted session.
Post a video of your training and tag your page.
Leave reviews on your Google Business Profile or Facebook page.
People trust other people’s experiences more than ads — so make your service share-worthy.
Create Online Content That Sells for You
Position yourself as an expert by producing content that showcases your skills:
Short-form videos (e.g., “3 drills to improve first touch”)
Tips on soccer nutrition, mindset, or injury prevention
Q&A lives on Instagram or TikTok
Over time, these posts build your authority and attract paying clients automatically.
💡 Bonus: You can later monetize your content through affiliate links, online courses, or eBooks.
Use Free Tools to Stay Organized
You don’t need expensive software. Here’s a free toolkit to manage your business:
Google Sheets — track client progress and sessions
Canva — create visuals and flyers
Calendly — book training sessions
ChatGPT 😉 — draft messages, training plans, or social media captions
Staying organized helps you look professional and save time.
Scale Up Once You Earn
When you start generating income, reinvest wisely:
Buy portable equipment (cones, agility ladders, training vests)
Create a simple website or online booking system
Offer group sessions or summer camps
Growth is gradual. The key is to focus on delivering great results and keeping your clients coming back.
Building a personal soccer coaching business with no money is absolutely possible — all it takes is creativity, consistency, and commitment. Start small, build trust, and let your passion for the game become your biggest marketing tool.
Ready to Kickstart Your Coaching Journey?
Book a free 15-minute call with me today — let’s map out how you can start and grow your personal soccer coaching business from zero.
⚽︎ How to Go Full-Time as a Private Soccer Coach and Boost Your Income
If you’re passionate about football (soccer) and love helping players improve, private coaching can be more than a side hustle — it can become a full-time career. With the growing demand for specialized training, parents and players are seeking personal coaching to supplement team practices. This creates a powerful opportunity for coaches to earn a sustainable income while doing what they love.
In this article, we’ll break down how you can grow your private football coaching business and maximize your earning potential.
Build Your Coaching Identity
Before launching, decide what sets you apart as a coach. Ask yourself:
Do you specialize in youth development, elite players, or specific positions (e.g., strikers, goalkeepers)?
What unique coaching style or philosophy do you bring?
How will you package your sessions to stand out from others?
A strong coaching identity builds trust and attracts the right clients.
Start Small but Think Big
Begin by offering sessions to a few local players. Focus on quality over quantity — satisfied players and parents will spread the word. As demand grows, you can increase rates, add group sessions, or even hire assistant coaches to expand.
Set Up a Professional Business Model
Treat coaching like a business, not a hobby. This means:
Registering your business if required
Setting fair but profitable rates
Offering packages (e.g., 5 or 10-session bundles) to secure long-term clients
Using scheduling software to manage bookings
A professional approach signals credibility and makes clients more willing to invest in your services.
Leverage Social Media and Word of Mouth
Showcase your coaching on Instagram, TikTok, or YouTube. Share training clips, testimonials, and before/after progress videos. Parents want proof of results, and social media provides that credibility.
At the same time, word-of-mouth referrals are gold in youth sports. Deliver excellent sessions, and parents will recommend you to their networks.
Diversify Your Income Streams
Don’t limit yourself to one-on-one coaching. Additional income streams can include:
Small group training sessions
Holiday camps and clinics
Online coaching programs (video analysis, personalized drills)
Selling training plans or digital resources
The more ways you can serve players, the more stable and scalable your income becomes.
Invest in Yourself
Continuous learning pays off. Take coaching courses, attend workshops, and study the latest football training methodologies. The more knowledgeable and qualified you are, the more you can charge and the more players will seek you out.
Becoming a full-time football (soccer) coach is not only possible but increasingly in demand. By treating your coaching like a business, marketing effectively, and diversifying your services, you can build a thriving private coaching career that increases both your income and your impact.
Book a FREE 15-minute strategy call with me today and discover how to grow your private football coaching business, attract more players, and increase your income.