BabyBallers have added half-a-dozen new business partners to their growing network of franchisees, which include Jo Middleton who has purchased four territories in Wiltshire.
Football is rarely out of the headlines and, in recent weeks, it’s been getting more attention than ever. As the current season draws to a close, fans have voiced their anger at a number of issues, not least the proposed European Super League which appears to have lost momentum – for the time being at least.
So it’s probably escaped most followers of this global sport that BabyBallers – which specialise in providing football fun for toddlers and young children – have added six new business partners to its growing franchise network. Among this latest intake is Jo Middleton who is already well known within the children’s franchise sector.
Jo is the company’s franchise development manager, and runs another business in children’s services external of BabyBallers. A former franchisor in her own right, Jo has launched four BabyBallers territories in Wiltshire – in the towns of Warminster, Wilton, Salisbury and Westbury. With 20 years of experience in franchising, Jo is looking forward to tapping into the huge demand for these services.
She explained: “Working at head office for BabyBallers, and being in constant contact with franchisees, has allowed me to see first-hand how this all works. The franchise has huge potential and I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t inspired to get involved by the success of our existing franchisees.
“Throughout my career I’ve always had a passion for helping children maximise their potential, so getting involved as a franchisee was a no-brainer for me. BabyBallers provides children with the invaluable motor skills and social skills they need for starting primary school.
“Learning these skills is more important than ever because most children will have had their development stunted by a lack of interaction with other children during lockdown.” And Jo has no intention of stopping here. She is keen to open another five during the next 12 months, adding: “I want to grow my network and bring BabyBallers to as many people as possible. There’s unlimited support for all franchisees, and when you join BabyBallers you become part of a network with a real community feel.”
Since its launch in 2015, BabyBallers has grown quickly, and now has 50 outlets across the UK. The five other new business partners, who are joining the popular multi-skills football franchise, are: Nihar Vithlani and Devin Gohil in Ruislip (north-west London); Tom Hopley in Loughton (Essex); and Tanya and Liam O’Neill from Bishops Stortford (Hertfordshire). All five are new to both children’s services and franchising, and have recently completed their online training.
Chris Elms, the company’s business development director, said: “It’s great to have so many new locations kicking off as pandemic restrictions ease. The fact that BabyBallers has been able to expand, despite a challenging economic climate, is a real testament to our head office team, as well as our individual franchisees. BabyBallers provides an excellent solution for the increasing number of parents looking for services that will help children learn through play.”
The company’s waiting list for places has risen beyond 1,150, as the demand for safe social activities for children continues to grow.
