He’s been kicking a ball around since he was eight. James Holliday was brought up with sport, and now he’s combining his interest with his career.

From the age of eight, James played football at school and, with the local junior team, often participated in Sunday League games.

“I’ve always been involved in sport and fitness. I’ve always played and watched sport,” says James.

After leaving school, James completed a PE degree at Leeds Metropolitan University and began taking some PE lessons at Hanson School in his home city of Bradford.

Close by, the development of a new Goals Soccer Centre in Swain House, one of 31 state-of-the-art five-a-side facilities throughout the UK, was underway. Once it was completed, James was asked to help run the centre, which has 13 outdoor football pitches and a purpose-built sports bar and function suite.

“There is a market out there for five-a-side football. It is one of the biggest growing pastimes in the UK,” explains James.

“It is more enjoyable than going to the gym – the lads can get together and play as part of a team. It is enjoyable and Goals has the facilities to do all that.” The first centre was set up in Scotland and has spread throughout the country.

The Bradford centre opened in 2006, and James has been part of the team ever since. Since his promotion to assistant manager, James’s responsibilities are looking after the pitches, bar and changing facilities, promoting the centre to encourage new users and working with local football clubs. “It’s going really well. We have a consistent level of customers,” says James.

The fact Goals is enjoying buoyant trade during the current economic climate is indicative of the fact people are still very much focused on their health and fitness.

Getting the nation in shape and, of course, tackling childhood obesity, are issues high on the Government agenda. “Football is a great way for children to get out and get active, and we are giving them the facility to do so,” says James.

Goals is regularly used by local junior football clubs and it also hosts camps in the school holidays, as well as birthday parties.

James says the greatest satisfaction he gets is working with people. “The best part of my job is the people I work with. It is a very supportive and good atmosphere to work in.”

Qualities you need to work in that environment, according to James, are: “You need to be approachable; you have to be friendly and you have to be pro-active, get out there and promote the centre and promote Goals as a brand.”

  • For more information about courses for a career in leisure management contact Leeds University on (0113) 8120000.