Why Youth Footballers Should Consider Franchising

Why Youth Footballers Should Consider Franchising as a Career Path

By Liam Hobbs, More Than Loft Ladders

For many young footballers in academies across the UK, the dream is simple—make it to the top and have a successful playing career. It’s a dream I completely respect. However, the harsh reality is that only a small percentage of academy players will go on to have long-term professional careers.

That’s why I’ve made it my mission to visit football academies and introduce young players to the world of franchising. I believe it’s a path that can give them a stable and rewarding future, whether they make it in football or not.

The Reality of Football Careers

The statistics are sobering. Thousands of talented young footballers train hard every year, but only a handful will secure professional contracts. Even for those who do, the average career length is short, often ending in their early 30s. Injury, competition, and club decisions can bring an unexpected end to a player’s career at any time.

That’s why planning for the future is crucial, even while pursuing football. I want to help academy players understand that franchising can be an exciting and lucrative option—one that allows them to be their own boss, build a successful business, and take control of their financial future.

Why Franchising?

Franchising offers a structured way into business ownership, something that suits the mindset of many footballers. In a franchise, you’re following a proven model, much like how footballers follow training plans, tactics, and systems. The key benefits include:

• A Proven System – Unlike starting a business from scratch, a franchise provides a roadmap to success, reducing the risks.
• Training & Support – Just as footballers receive coaching, franchisees receive training, ongoing support, and guidance to help them succeed.
• Teamwork & Discipline – The values learned in football—teamwork, discipline, and perseverance—translate well into running a franchise.
• Financial Independence – Owning a franchise means building something for the long term, ensuring financial security beyond football.

More Than Loft Ladders: A Real Opportunity

At More Than Loft Ladders, we’ve seen firsthand how franchising changes lives. Our franchisees come from all walks of life, many with no prior business experience, but they’ve built successful operations through our support and model.

For young footballers, this could be the perfect second career. The transition from the football pitch to business ownership may seem daunting, but franchising provides the structure and guidance to make it achievable. Whether players want to run a hands-on business or build a team, they have options that suit their ambitions.

Preparing for Life After Football

By visiting academies, my goal is not to take young players away from football but to help them think ahead. Having a plan B doesn’t mean giving up on the dream—it means being smart about the future. Whether they make it as professional players or not, franchising offers a path to success.

If you’re a young footballer (or a parent of one), I encourage you to explore franchising. It might just be the opportunity you never knew you needed.