Shetland football coach kicks off business with Business Gateway backing

A Shetland entrepreneur has built a football-coaching business from scratch in under a year, with support from Business Gateway helping him access start-up funding and get his venture off the ground.

Jack Clubb launched Jack Clubb Coaching in March 2025, offering football sessions that would nurture young talent by building confidence and fitness and grow the game across the Islands.

Jack's business offers a range of services including one-to-one football coaching, small and large group sessions, and fitness testing for sports teams. Since getting started last year, Jack has seen steady growth through referrals and word-of-mouth and has now coached more than 100 players of all ages to develop their skills on the field.

Business Gateway Shetland worked with Jack on his business plan and marketing and signposted him towards start-up funding of £4,000 through Shetland Islands Council.

The grant allowed Jack to purchase a range of professional training kit and IT equipment to support him with business planning, as well as allowing him to build a following on social media to promote and grow his business. The support from the Business Gateway team included one-to-one advice, along with workshops and research through the Business Gateway website.

Jack said: “Starting my coaching business was an exciting step, but like many new entrepreneurs, I wasn’t entirely sure where to begin when it came to building a sustainable business.

“The support I received from Business Gateway was invaluable. The guidance on business planning helped me create a clear roadmap for growth, while the marketing advice gave me the confidence and tools to promote my services effectively.

“The signposting towards funding was also a huge help in supporting me to get the business off the ground, allowing me to invest in essential equipment and resources from day one. As a young founder, having that support network behind me made a real difference and has helped turn my passion for football into a growing business.”

Kirsten Scott, Business Gateway manager said: “It has been a pleasure to support Jack on his journey since launching Jack Clubb Coaching last year. From the outset, Jack demonstrated a real passion for helping players develop both on and off the pitch, along with a strong commitment to building a successful business.”

@jackclubb_coaching

https://bgateway.com