North Devon entrepreneur and Soccer Shooters boss wins national award

A North Devon entrepreneur who has spent years transforming young lives on and off the football pitch has been recognised on the national stage — winning a prestigious Great British Entrepreneur Award.

James Wilson, founder of Soccer Shooters, grew up and went to school in Braunton and is now based in Barnstaple. He was  named Service Industries Entrepreneur of the Year (South West) at the 2025 Allica Bank Great British Entrepreneur Awards. The awards have previously been described by Dragons’ Den star Steven Bartlett as ‘the Grammys of business’.

James began Soccer Shooters with just a handful of children in the South West. Today, he leads a nationally recognised children’s activity organisation with a growing franchise network, award-winning coaching programmes, and a strong community focus.

Above: James celebrates winning his entrepreneur award.

James said: “I feel so proud of what we’ve achieved — supporting thousands of children to grow in confidence, develop life skills, and fall in love with football. 

“We’re not just about the game — we’re about enhancing lives. Through fun, inclusive coaching, strong community ties, and a focus on long-term development, we’re creating opportunities for children and adults alike to thrive on and off the pitch.”

A parent shared his reaction to the news: “Congratulations — truly deserved. Soccer Shooters has made a real difference to so many children and families. Tobias wouldn’t be the player he is today, or have the confidence and enjoyment he has, without your programme.”

The awards, now in their 13th year, shine a spotlight on entrepreneurs driving innovation, creating jobs, and shaping the future of the UK economy. Soccer Shooters was recognised for its commitment to inclusive, high-quality grassroots football coaching, its support for schools and community groups, and its work in raising coaching standards across the UK.

The company’s structured programmes, coach development pathway and focus on accessibility have helped it become a benchmark for excellence within the children’s activity sector.

James and the Soccer Shooters team say they are ‘honoured’ to receive the award and say it strengthens their ambition to continue expanding their impact — including internationally, with India identified as a key future growth region.

James added: “We believe football has the power to change lives. This award reminds us we’re on the right path and inspires us to achieve even more.”

Having grown up in Braunton and now living in Barnstaple, James says he is excited to bring the business back to his home community. Soccer Shooters plans to launch its hugely popular football holiday camps in North Devon from 2026.

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It is a UK-based child activity and football coaching organisation dedicated to enhancing lives through the game of football. With a strong focus on inclusion, fun, and development, the company works with toddlers to teens — including children with special educational needs — across schools, grassroots clubs, and community classes.

They also provide adult development opportunities through coaching, training and franchise partnerships.

To date, Soccer Shooters has supported thousands of children and helped dozens of local coaches begin their careers, with continued growth both in the UK and internationally.

More information can be found at www.soccershooters.co.uk