An Inverclyde football coach is helping local children find their feet (and the back of the net) with dedicated football coaching after accessing support from Business Gateway.

Former professional footballer Craig Molloy set up his coaching business, Craig Molloy Coaching, last April, aiming to nurture the next generation of Scottish stars through football coaching for children aged 3 to 9 years old.

After hanging up his boots, Craig began coaching his sons football team which inspired him to take the leap and set up his business to support aspiring players and offer an affordable pathway to children looking to get into the sport.

Initially running one-to-one sessions for 8 kids on weekends, Craig has seen tremendous growth in his business since accessing support from local Business Gateway adviser, Ronnie McLaren. He now coaches over 140 aspiring players each week through dedicated group coaching sessions assisted by a team of coaches and volunteers, as focused business planning has laid the foundations for game-changing results.

Determined to give back to the community through his work, Craig has now transformed the business into a thriving Social Enterprise and works with Action For Kids to run sessions for disadvantaged children to provide them with a safe space to play and develop valuable life skills and positive pathways through sport.

Craig also runs low-cost holiday camps with local charity Anchor in the Inverclyde and Bishopton areas, providing kids with a safe space to develop and play with fellow football enthusiasts. Dominos generously supply pizzas for the camps to fuel the players for action-packed days. Craig has also recently launched walking football sessions for over 50’s in the community, which will double up as a warm space, as he seeks to support all walks of life through his work.

Throughout his start-up journey, Business Gateway has supported Craig with expert guidance and advice, helping him to develop a business plan, complying with regulations and advising on marketing which has allowed him to begin his business on the best possible footing.

Business Gateway also signposted Craig to £750 of grant funding from Inverclyde Council, which went towards coaching equipment and the costs to set up his holiday camps.

Craig Molloy, Founder of Craig Molloy Coaching, said:

“Ronnie has been so helpful in getting me set up with my business plan and signposting me to funding opportunities. Being dyslexic, Ronnie’s help with paperwork made such a difference to my progress."

“His support and advice have given me the confidence to develop the business and has paved the way for future growth as we continue growing our community projects.”

Ronnie McLaren, Business Gateway adviser, said:

“Craig’s passion to support the local community and help kids develop their skillset in a safe and inclusive environment is inspiring. His success is testament to his hard work and dedication."

“Setting the right foundations for success through establishing a strong business plan and accessing available funding has allowed Craig to find his stride. I look forward to supporting the next steps of his journey and will hopefully see some of his players making headlines of their own in the near future.”