The Football Fun Factory concept in Scotland has been named Franchisee of the Year.
Blair Gray received the prestigious award at the Football Fun Factory’s annual Franchise Conference, held at Alexander Stadium in Birmingham earlier this month.
The award was voted for by Blair’s fellow franchisees from across the organisation and recognises his work in developing the Football Fun Factory across Ayrshire and supporting its wider network.
Blair’s journey began in March 2022 when he became the Football Fun Factory’s first franchisee in Scotland, launching the concept in his hometown of Kilmarnock.
Since then, the operation has expanded significantly across Ayrshire, with Football Fun Factory sessions now being delivered in Kilmarnock, Stewarton, Ayr, Prestwick and Troon.
Around 300 children, ranging in age from just 18 months to 12 years old, now take part in sessions every week.
Paying tribute to Blair following his award win, Football Fun Factory described him as a “trailblazer for the brand”, highlighting the community he has built and his work in bringing its football programmes to more children and families.
However, Blair’s involvement now extends beyond running his own franchise.
He is also a Lead Head Coach within the organisation, supporting and guiding a group of Head Coaches, sharing his experience and helping other Football Fun Factory franchisees develop their own operations.
Football Fun Factory said Blair’s contribution went “far beyond his own franchise”, recognising his leadership and support for others across the organisation.
The Football Fun Factory was created to provide positive football experiences for boys and girls of all ages and abilities, using the popularity of the sport as a vehicle for childhood development.
Rather than concentrating solely on footballing ability and progression, its approach places a strong emphasis on enjoyment, creating an environment where youngsters can express themselves, play, make friends and have fun.
Blair’s Ayrshire franchise is now preparing for another milestone.
In October, Kilmarnock will host the first girls-only Football Fun Factory session in Scotland, adding another element to the programme already available locally.
Alongside its regular weekly sessions, the Ayrshire operation also provides school holiday programmes, children’s parties and special events.
The Football Fun Factory has grown to more than 120 franchisees across the UK and Ireland, with the organisation also announcing international expansion into Marbella in Spain and Singapore.
From becoming Scotland’s first Football Fun Factory franchisee in Kilmarnock to overseeing sessions involving around 300 Ayrshire youngsters every week, Blair’s Franchisee of the Year award recognises how far the operation has grown since its launch in 2022.
And with Scotland’s first girls-only Football Fun Factory session preparing to launch in Kilmarnock next month, the Ayrshire operation is continuing to expand while maintaining its central philosophy: football should, above all, be fun.