FFF Blog
Girls Only Football Sessions at the Football Fun Factory
At the Football Fun Factory, our mission is to make football fun and accessible for every child. While our mixed sessions are open to everyone,
September 16, 2025
At the Football Fun Factory, we believe that football is more than just a game—it’s a powerful tool for bringing communities together, fostering personal growth, and creating joyful experiences for children and coaches alike.
As we mark Mental Health Awareness Week 2025, we’re shining a spotlight on four of our incredible Head Coaches: Jack Stevenson (Newquay & Truro), Holly Rye (Deal, Sandwich & Ramsgate), Noel O’Donnell (Derry/Londonderry), and Andy Hutcheon (Aberdeen). Each has embarked on a unique journey, transforming their passion for football into a fulfilling career that positively impacts their communities and personal well-being.
From Burnout to Balance
Before joining the FFF family, Jack was juggling a full-time job with evening and weekend coaching sessions.
Since launching his franchise, Jack has found a healthier work-life balance. “Since becoming a franchisee with the Football Fun Factory, my work-life balance has improved massively, and with that, so has my overall happiness. I now have the flexibility to plan my days around both work and family life, which means I’m spending more quality time with the people who matter most.” Now, he cherishes quality time with loved ones and the connections he’s built through coaching.
His advice for aspiring coaches? “Don’t be afraid to take the leap, especially if you’re looking for a more balanced and meaningful way of working. Surround yourself with supportive people, stay grounded in your purpose, and celebrate the small wins along the way.”
Freedom, Flexibility, and Fulfilment
For Holly, launching a Football Fun Factory franchise was a game-changer. “Running my own Football Fun Factory franchise has had a huge positive impact on my mental well-being. It’s given me the freedom and autonomy to build a lifestyle and routine that truly works for me. I now have the flexibility to prioritise what matters most, whether that’s taking a quiet morning for myself, going on a long run, or starting work a bit later to be in the right headspace.” she comments.
Holly thrives on building connections with families and children. “The sessions are always full of smiles, laughter, and those little moments that remind me why I do this. I walk away buzzing, knowing that I’ve made a child’s day better. That sense of fulfilment, of knowing I’ve made a difference, lifts my mood and gives me such a strong sense of purpose.”
When life gets stressful, Holly finds balance thanks to running “My favourite mental health booster has to be running. It gives me a real sense of purpose, achievement, and challenge. I start most days with a run, and it sets the tone for everything that follows, it makes me feel like I’m already winning before the day even begins. It’s that space where I work hard, clear my head, and feel truly connected to myself.”
Community, Confidence, and Clarity
Starting his Football Fun Factory franchise was life-changing for Noel. “Running the Football Fun Factory has changed my life, and something I should have done long ago. When it is something you love doing, is it really working? The work-life balance I now have is so much greater than what I have ever had.”
A good week for Noel is about seeing smiles and hearing laughter, “Seeing a child grow from their 1st session. Hearing and seeing the children having fun and the noise and laughs that go with it. But one thing I love looking out for is the end of the session. Seeing a parent standing, watching and smiling, knowing how much their child is enjoying themselves. Then for the child to go straight in and tell them all about what has happened. “
His advice for future franchisees? “Always make time for yourself. Whether it’s gym food, a movie, or something where you can switch off. The challenge I had was knowing to switch off and also to realise Rome wasn’t built in a day. Do not get yourself down if something negative happens, as a positive shall soon come around just as quickly.”
Purpose, Passion, and Progress
Running a football coaching franchise in Aberdeen has been deeply rewarding for Andy. “Having my own FFF franchise has positively impacted my mental well being through loving being able to provide so many opportunities within my community, for more children to enjoy football.” he says.
One of Andy’s favourite things is being recognised by his young “superstars” when he’s out and about within the Aberdeen community. “Little things like being at a petrol station, in the shops or out for a walk & hearing my name being shouted from one of my superstars is brilliant & makes me feel like I am having a real effect on my community.” he says.
Despite managing two businesses, he’s working toward a better balance while loving the journey. Andy’s honest advice to those considering becoming their own boss? “You will face hurdles, you will have dips, but you can have them working for someone else. The real benefit is when it goes well, you can reflect & know that was down to you. A tip would be if it’s feeling easy, you probably aren’t working hard enough. If it feels hard, you are giving your business the care to succeed.”
These inspiring stories show that running your own children’s football coaching business can offer more than just financial opportunity, it can bring clarity, freedom, and personal satisfaction.
Whether you’re looking to leave the 9-to-5 grind, build something meaningful in your community, or create more freedom in your schedule, launching a Football Fun Factory franchise puts you in control of your future, with the support of a proven brand behind you.
Key Benefits of a Football Fun Factory Franchise:
Be your own boss while making a difference in children’s lives
Build strong connections in your local community
Enjoy flexibility and a healthier work-life balance
Improve mental well-being through meaningful, rewarding work
Join a proven system with training, tools, and support
At the Football Fun Factory, we’re looking for passionate individuals who want to make football fun, inclusive, and impactful for children in their communities. If these stories resonate with you, it might be time to take the leap and start your football coaching franchise.
Learn more about how to get started with your own Football Fun Factory franchise today.
At the Football Fun Factory, our mission is to make football fun and accessible for every child. While our mixed sessions are open to everyone,
Thinking about turning your love for football into a full-time career? Whether you’re already on the pitch or dreaming about coaching for a living, there’s
