Member Article

UCLan graduate kick-starts business

After graduating from the University of Central Lancashire (UCLan) with a degree in Sports Coaching and Child Development, Kieran Fletcher’s passion to continue learning and make a difference to the lives of young people led to an idea for a business.

With support from Northern Lights, a business support facility based in the Media Factory building at UCLan, Kieran grew his community sports initiative from start-up level into an established service, FUNDA.

It now partners with local authorities and schools to deliver health and fitness education, helping children to lead more active lifestyles.

Kieran said: “Being active and healthy is something which has always been important to me, and it’s a habit for a lifetime.

“It’s so important to educate children and their parents about leading a more active lifestyle, while developing confidence and social skills too.

“Childhood obesity is a growing issue which is why it’s key to inform families as soon as possible on how to prevent health problems through sport, which can be fun too.

“This is why I was keen to put my knowledge and skills to the test to benefit the wider community.”

“We’ve teamed up with Bolton Council to provide specialist PE, school sport and teacher CPD support, which has been an exciting opportunity; it’s great to see local authorities noticing the benefits of our approach.”

“FUNDA operates throughout the North West and this is the key area for me in which I’d like to see communities benefit.

“We’re focusing on continuing to build on the brand while seeking partners and investors to support our objectives, with any generated funds being re-invested into activities which will make a difference for children.

“That’s what it’s all about for me.

“Without the help of the Northern Lights team, FUNDA would not be the established business it is today”

FUNDA stands for fundamental coaching and aims to get even the most inactive children active. Based in Kieran’s hometown of Burnley it employs 20 full time staff, and delivers physical education, school sport, teacher CPD support, holiday camps, after school clubs, childcare, birthday parties and community play projects supported by government agencies for children aged two-16 years.

Business incubation manager at Northern Lights, Peter Rawling, said: “It’s been fantastic to watch and support Kieran transform from an extremely focused UCLan graduate entrepreneur into a successful businessman, leading a team of 20 staff.

“His hard work, commitment, enthusiasm and tenacity have really paid off.

“His passion and enthusiasm for health and fitness combined with a determination to utilise every resource provided by Northern Lights has led to what is now an award winning business, making a difference to many young people’s lives.”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Sophia Taha .