While at College, I balanced my studies with working part-time as a sports leader for Athletix Kidz, a business I founded with my family in 2016 to inspire children aged 18 months to 10 years’ old to embrace active, healthy lifestyles through athletics-based play and learning. Had it not been for this experience, I don’t think I’d have had the confidence to head-up coaching sessions and ultimately become the Owner and Director of the business today.
Since leaving College, my journey has been an exciting mix of challenges, growth and rewarding milestones. After university, I explored different career opportunities and worked as a sports graduate at Reigate Grammar School – this really helped me refine my passion for sports, coaching and working with young children. It became clear to me that I wanted to make a difference in the lives of children by combining my love for athletics with early education. That realisation sparked the idea of taking over Athletix Kidz.
Launching and growing the business has been a transformative experience. Starting with just a handful of sessions, I’ve worked to develop a dynamic, age-appropriate programme that focuses on core athletic skills including running, jumping, and throwing activities all delivered in a fun, supportive environment. Along the way, I’ve had to wear many hats: entrepreneur, coach, marketer and mentor. These experiences have deepened my skill set and given me a profound sense of purpose.
What I love most about my role is seeing the joy on children’s faces as they achieve something new, whether that’s mastering a skill or simply having fun while staying active. Knowing that I’m helping to lay the foundation for their physical and emotional development is incredibly fulfilling. I also enjoy building a supportive community of parents, children, and coaches who share the same enthusiasm for athletics.
Running a business isn’t without its challenges. From navigating the financial side of entrepreneurship to ensuring consistent quality across programmes, every day presents a new learning opportunity. One of the biggest hurdles has been maintaining a balance between growth and sustainability. However, these challenges have only made the successes more meaningful.
A key milestone for me was seeing Athletix Kidz grow from a single location to a programme with multiple thriving classes and a growing interest from potential franchisees. Another proud moment was launching our online shop and developing comprehensive training for coaches, ensuring our programmes maintain high standards.
Looking ahead, my goal is to expand Athletix Kidz through franchising, giving more communities access to our programmes while supporting aspiring business owners. I also plan to continue evolving our curriculum, incorporating new activities and technologies to keep our approach fresh and engaging.
Looking back, I wish I had known that success is not always about having everything figured out right away. It’s okay to explore different paths and take the time to discover what truly excites you. I also wish I had better understood the importance of networking and building relationships early on. Opportunities often come from the connections you make, and having a strong support system can be invaluable when pursuing a business or entrepreneurial journey.
Another thing I’d tell my younger self is that failure is a natural part of growth. It’s through challenges and setbacks that you develop resilience and learn the most valuable lessons. Most importantly, believe in yourself. The journey may not always be easy, but with determination and a clear vision, you can achieve incredible things.
Lucy Hoad
Reigate College: 2014-2016
Higher Education: BSc Sports Performance, University of Bath
Currently: Owner/Director, Athletix Kidz and Head of Athletic Development, Reigate Grammar School.
