Danny, 26, from Aldridge in Walsall, had always wanted to be a footballer, but a serious knee injury shattered his dreams. He was devastated, but rather than giving up, he decided to pursue a career in football coaching.
After spending some time coaching youngsters in the United States, Danny was dealt another huge blow when he couldn’t find a job on his return to the UK.
Danny said: “Being unable to find a job made me feel completely worthless. I was applying for anything but not even getting a response which left me feeling really unhappy and unsure about what my future held.”
It was then that he came up with the business idea that would change his life. He decided to use the football tricks he’d learnt in the US to set up his own business teaching children freestyle football skills. He had no business experience, but he used the money from his benefits to produce fliers to promote his idea, leaving him unable to afford food for a time.
Danny’s hope quickly disappeared when he realised he didn’t have the right support or money behind him to make it work. He then decided to approach The Prince’s Trust to help him get his idea off the ground. The Trust helped him put together a business plan, and gave him a low-interest loan and business mentor to support him.
Global Freestyle is now going from strength to strength. His work has seen him perform live at Old Trafford in front of 80,000 supporters, taken him to Dubai and he has worked with big brands such as Coca Cola and British Gas.
Danny’s company is now the number one freestyle football agency in the country. He also runs “skills skools” with young people across the local area to engage them through sport and a children’s party business.
Danny said: I am so grateful to The Prince’s Trust for helping me to turn my life around. Without their help and support I don’t think I’d be where I am now.
Paul Jones
Harvard alumni and former New York Times journalist. Editor of Business Matters for over 15 years, the UKs largest business magazine. I am also head of Capital Business Media's automotive division working for clients such as Red Bull Racing, Honda, Aston Martin and Infiniti.
