Local footballer launches Pro90 Academy
A young Chesterfield entrepreneur is turning his passion for football into a business, thanks to support from the Derbyshire business start-up support scheme.
Ewan Catt, a semi-professional footballer and Sports Exercise Science graduate, has launched Pro90 Academy, a football coaching business. The business offers youth development programmes, elite training sessions, school partnerships, and rehabilitation support for players returning from injury.
“As I neared the end of my degree, I began to think about my football coaching academy, turning my passion into a business,” said Ewan. “I initially did some research into local business support and found the Derbyshire business start-up support scheme. I arranged an online meeting with one of the business startup advisors, where we discussed my ideas around Pro90 Academy. They explained how they could support with business advice, help develop a business plan and a 2-year financial forecast. This included a startup grant support for my website and the equipment I required for football coaching.”
With no prior business experience, Ewan credits the support he received as essential to getting Pro90 Academy off the ground.
“The team then helped me tweak my business plan and worked with me to produce a comprehensive plan. Having never been in business before, the support I received was invaluable.”
Ewan’s journey began in Chesterfield’s grassroots football scene, progressing through professional academies before signing for Buxton FC at 17. He now plays for Sheffield FC, the world’s oldest football club, while running Pro90 Academy full-time.
Pro90 Academy has already secured its first school coaching contract and is delivering one-to-one and group sessions across Chesterfield. Ewan is also running football summer camps throughout August at Queen’s Park Sports Centre, offering coaching for children aged 6–12.
Ewan gives the following advice to those looking to start their own business. “When starting in business in Chesterfield, don’t be afraid to reach out for local business support and advice at Chesterfield Borough Council, Derbyshire County Council and local business support hubs. ”
Councillor Rob Reaney, Derbyshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Economic Development and Regeneration, said: “It’s vital that local start-up companies get the support they need to turn their ideas into a reality.
“We want to encourage more entrepreneurism in Derbyshire to help boost the local economy, and I’d encourage anyone who needs help in getting their new business off the ground to get in touch with the Derbyshire Business Start-up Support Scheme to see how we can help, just as Ewan did. We wish Ewan every success with his new business and look forward to following his progress.”
Ryan Wilkes, Board member at Destination Chesterfield, added, “It’s fantastic to see young entrepreneurs like Ewan launching new ventures. Pro90 Academy is an example of how passion, talent and the right support can come together to create something that benefits the community. We encourage anyone thinking of starting their own business or already in business to take advantage of the business support available.”
Discover more about Pro90 Academy at https://www.pro90academy.com/
The Derbyshire business start-up support scheme offers free, impartial advice and support to new businesses. It also provides grant funding of up to £10,000 to eligible businesses. The initiative is delivered by Derbyshire County Council and funded by East Midlands County Combined Authority’s Shared Prosperity Fund.
Find out more about the business and skills support available in Chesterfield
