Former rugby pro launches own business after excelling on scheme for unemployed - 18th Nov 2010
A former rugby pro who was struggling to find work has been selected from a national unemployment scheme to launch his own business in Warrington under the wing of the UK's largest kids coaching organisation.
Tony Doyle, 25, of Lowton, joined the Government's Future Jobs Fund scheme after nine months searching for a job. The former professional rugby player, who played for Salford City Reds, had originally trained as a plumber after leaving rugby.
After a series of interviews and assessments he was accepted by Premier Sport to work as a coach, and six months in the job, Tony was deemed so outstanding he was offered the opportunity to set up his own business in his home town under Premier Sport's protective wing.
Premier Sport is dedicated to developing innovative sports coaching which will help children to live a healthy, fit life, and successfully delivers coaching to more than 125,000 children every week.
The company is backed by big-named sporting ambassadors including rugby legend Lawrence Dallaglio, Olympic gold medallist Duncan Goodhew and former rugby league champion Paul Sculthorpe.
Tony, who represented Lancashire and England as a schoolboy, will launch his business in the Warrington, Altrincham and Urmston areas, and is offering PE coaching both in and out of school hours as well as holiday camps, breakfast, lunch and after school clubs with a team of coaches in up to 21 different sports under the Premier Sport umbrella.
"I have always enjoyed coaching, and have helped coach rugby in local amateur clubs for a while now, so to be selected to run a franchise is fantastic news for me," said Tony, who is originally from Leigh.
"Sport is vitally important for children as it not only keeps them fit and healthy but gives a feeling of achievement and togetherness. Children looking to get into sport will make new friends and will always feel part of something."
Through Premier, Tony is now qualified to deliver Dodgeball, Basketball, Multi-skills, Hockey, Gymnastics, Yoga and Tag-Rugby, alongside completing first aid courses, child protection exams and teaching training.
Since February 2010 Premier Sport has employed over 150 new sports coaches through the Future Jobs Fund. The FJF is an initiative launched by the former government to provide work opportunities to individuals aged between 18 and 24 who have been unemployed for three months or more.
Premier Sport's recruitment director, Jonathan Mills, said: "Tony excelled to such an extent that he was offered the opportunity to start his own franchise.
"He has done fantastically well during his six months at Premier under the Future Jobs Fund, and we are confident that with our support he will go on to run a highly professional, successful business while maintaining the standards Premier Sport is renowned for nationally."
Tony is already delivering two days of PE coaching and an after school club at Callands Primary School in Dallam, a lunchtime multi sports club at St Bridget's in Orford, two after school clubs at Christchurch school in Padgate and an after school at Woolston Primary school in Woolston.
"I have requested to take staff on through the FJF system as I know how successful it can be and I feel that everyone should get the same chance that I have been given," he said.
"Long term I hope to run a successful business which continues to promote the excellent standards of Premier Sport with staff who are happy and proud to work with me."