Paul Mulligan is unequivocal. “I’ve got the best job in the world,” he says.
The Kikoff Football centre manager is unashamedly passionate about doing a job that he loves so much he doesn’t think of it as work.
“I used to work as a chef and then in painting and decorating,” says the British-born football fanatic. “I was up and down ladders painting. Now I don’t feel I’m working. I have fun with kids, I talk football with the dads. It’s awesome.”
Paul started with Kikoff in a development program for coaches, took on coaching at the Sydney Northern Beaches centre, and for six years has been the manager there.
“I’m hands-on. I choose to do the coaching, and the parties, I do everything,” he says.
Kikoff Football offers streamlined platforms
As head coach he has four other coaches working with him, providing coaching for the 156 kids playing football in the weeknight training schedule.
Add in the weekend kids parties, and Paul has plenty to organise.
“The rostering program is dead simple to use,” he says. “Admin is the scariest element of running a business for someone like me – but with Kikoff it’s really easy. I can decide what channels to use, and all the information is laid out and well written. It’s easy to communicate with our clients and stay ahead of all the rostering challenges.
“There’s a manual to follow and everything is to hand. I don’t spend too much time on admin.”
Kikoff provides streamlined, integrated software for rostering, development programs, regular bookings and party bookings.
“The three platforms are really simple to use and I can just check details on my phone,” he says.
Kikoff co-founder Oli Bramley is committed to supporting the centres to achieve.
The franchisor’s support is invaluable
“The support is amazing. I know that Oli has my back, he’s a top bloke. If I need anything, I can email or call, and he’s available. It’s fantastic.”
Paul works to Kikoff targets and adds in his own personal goals.
“We’re busy and it’s up to me to keep the place running really well. I want this to be a really busy centre, and we grow through word of mouth.”
Hosting four children’s parties every weekend inevitably helps boost business long term. Parents new to the business discover the coaching programs and sign up their kids for a term of football development.
Paul can rely on Oli to step in and help with any marketing requirements, it’s all handled by head office – even down to party invites.
“I don’t do any marketing. Oli and I discuss which areas of the business we need to grow, and then he directs the marketing accordingly.
“Marketing is not my strength, nor is social media, but it doesn’t matter because the marketing support is there.”
Kikoff Football is the best job
For Paul, spreading the word is all about using his local football knowledge to connect with community.
And he’s proud of the quality product he manages.
“The centre build is top quality, from the netting to the pitches, overhead netting and robust fencing, everything is top of the range.
“Everybody comments on how great the centre is. And the black and green colours looks prestige, it elevates the brand,” he says.
With a high level of support from the franchisor, Paul is able to spend time doing what he’s good at – customer relationships.
“This business really suits football people. If you love the work, the support is all here with Kikoff Football, and you won’t feel like you’re doing a job at all.”