Football Star Academy, founded in 2002 by Peter Nikolakopoulos, a former professional player, is an Australian-based franchise specialising in football (soccer) coaching and development programmes for children. Starting with just one child, the company has grown significantly, with over 5,000 participants by 2017. In 2012, it expanded to become Sports Star Academy (SSA), offering various sports programmes. The company has a strong presence with over 300 locations across Australia's east coast and has begun international expansion in 2023.

• Comprehensive initial training programme (1-2 weeks)
• Ongoing operational support
• Marketing and advertising assistance
• Curriculum and programme development
• Business management software and tools
• Access to marketing assets and a centralised booking platform
• Support programmes: Flying Start, Thrive, Growth Turbo Boost, Accelerate, and MOTIV-8

A typical day for a Football Star Academy franchisee might include:

• Morning: Administrative tasks, such as scheduling, responding to enquiries, and planning sessions.
• Afternoon: Overseeing after-school coaching programmes at various locations.
• Evening: Conducting coaching sessions or supervising coaches.
• Throughout the day: Marketing activities, staff management, and quality control.
• Weekly: Meeting with coaches for training and curriculum updates.
• Monthly: Financial review and planning for upcoming events or camps.

The role offers a mix of hands-on coaching, business management, and community engagement, providing a dynamic and rewarding career for those passionate about youth sports development.

• Passion for football and youth development
• Strong business acumen and management skills
• Sales and marketing experience
• Financial capability to meet investment requirements
• Coaching qualifications (preferred but not always mandatory)
• Strong community relationship-building and promotional skills