Football academy attracts more professional players

Newport County and Wrexham regulars confirmed as latest Kixx franchisees

Children’s football academy franchise Kixx has recruited three more professional footballers to its franchisee network, including Newport County captain Joss Labadie.

29-year-old Joss is set to launch Kixx Newport at the end of March, while teammate Ade Azeez has partnered with Wrexham striker JJ Hooper and will open Kixx Bromley in April.

Keep up to date with the latest What Franchise News sent straight to your inbox. Sign up here.

Marc Potter, Kixx operations director, says: “We’re delighted Joss, JJ and Ade will be starting their own Kixx franchises. They are incredible athletes who are still enjoying professional football careers. 

“Not only do they bring a fantastic knowledge and experience of football to Kixx, but they also share our vision to make a difference to the lives of children they impact through coaching and future community activities.

“Our business is attracting eyes and interest from professional footballers across the country. Not just from the financial and growth potential, but with regards to business values and the huge impact Kixx academies are having on children throughout the country.”

In 2019, Doncaster Rovers’ veteran midfielder James Coppinger opened Kixx Middlesbrough and Kixx Redcar, while other pro footballers on the Kixx franchisee list include Hereford defender Martin Riley.

Kixx was founded in 2011 in Doncaster by former footballer Ben Hunter. In the last eight years the company has opened 42 franchises in the UK.