From Weekend Hobby to Full Academy
Sean Buckley, founder and head coach of Coach Buckley Academy, didn’t start with a business plan, he started with love for the game. After a career in the League of Ireland and two All-Ireland medals, a few casual sessions turned into something much bigger.
“A few parents asked me to come over and do a few sessions… I did that for free, and it grew itself. Now fast forward three years, I’ve got 115 clients.”
What started organically soon became a full-timer operation- and with that growth came challenges, especially around scaling, managing admin, and training other coaches to meet Sean’s high standards.
The Challenge: Growth Outpacing Systems
For Sean, one of the biggest hurdles wasn’t lack of demand, it was managing success.
“I don’t want to sound cliché, but the challenge has actually been the success of it… I only have so much energy myself.”
The workload of managing multiple client groups, scheduling, and adapting to each session’s unique tone and level, from beginners to more advanced players, required real balance. Add in the difficulty of finding and educating quality coaches to maintain the club’s values, and Sean knew he needed to focus his energy on leadership and delivery, not admin.
Before ClassForKids, the booking and communication process was messy.
“I didn’t have much of a process beforehand… it was a bit of a headache on WhatsApp, talking to everyone manually.”
As a sole trader, his energy and hours were limited, so he needed a tool that could handle the operational load while allowing him to focus on what mattered most: player development and coach mentorship.
The Solution: A Seamless Experience with ClassForKids
When Sean came across ClassForKids, the simplicity of the system stood out.
“I would 100% recommend ClassForKids. I think the best compliment I can give it is that I don’t have to think much, and for a sole trader with all these clients, that’s a very, very big compliment.”
Now with a single link, Sean can onboard players, move them between sessions, and track payments with minimal friction.
Using the Payment Secures Booking (PSB) feature, Sean ensures that parents pay upfront before securing their child’s spot in any session. This approach streamlines the payment process and minimises outstanding payments, removing the hassle of chasing late fees and keeping bookings fully secured.
“In terms of payment, moving players around, signup- it’s just very easy”
He also utilises the subscriptions feature, which automates recurring payments and eliminates the friction of manual invoicing.
Unlike other platforms he explored—many of which were designed for adult gym subscriptions—ClassForKids met the specific needs of youth coaching.
“I looked at a few other platforms, but most were gym-based. ClassForKids made it easy to change players between groups—straight away, I knew it was the kind of thing I was trying to do.”
And the results speak for themselves:
Explore how flexible features like PSB and Subscriptions can fit your needs.
More Than Just Software: Enabling the Right Coaching Environment
Sean isn’t just about running football sessions; he’s building an environment that supports player development and long-term engagement.
“I don’t just want to deliver football sessions. When you get the groups right, all the results come from that.”
He emphasises the importance of coach development, ensuring that trainers understand both the technical side and the social-emotional balance of running a session, especially when working with younger or beginner players.
“Sometimes players are just turning up for fun—like this morning, my first session is beginners. I’m not going to show up like a drill sergeant. You’ve got to find the balance—being a leader, but also fun.”
With ClassForKids handling the admin, Sean can now invest his energy and time where it counts: on the pitch, with his players and staff.
What's Next for Coach Buckley Academy?
With 115 players and growing demand, Sean is focused on educating the next generation of coaches and possibly expanding his team or locations.
“It’s about getting and educating the coaches... helping them understand how to deliver, be a leader, and still keep it fun.”
And with ClassForKids managing the backend? Sean sums it up best:
“Honestly, I don’t even think about it. That’s the best compliment I can give.”
Want to See ClassForKids in Action?
ClassForKids gives solo coaches and academies alike the ability to grow without the stress.
No need to book a live demo, just watch our interactive walkthrough to see our booking system in action in explore the features that matter most to your club.
