Raising Young Football Talent
“When my son showed serious potential on the pitch, I quickly realised that the world of youth football can be confusing for parents. When he was just 11, football agents started calling. By 12, brands wanted to discuss boot deals, and at 14, he was offered an early scholarship at his academy. At various points, I felt unprepared to make decisions that could impact his future. There was no trusted advice, no network to consult, and no family connections in the football industry. To learn more, I attended seminars, earned an MSc in Football Business, and got my FIFA agent licence (for my own education, not to represent players!).”
Through my experiences from grassroots to academy, I met other parents facing similar challenges. I realised that if I was struggling, many others must be too. There are many people and organisations involved, each with their own agendas, and clear advice for parents is hard to find. We founded No1Fan.club to give families the knowledge and support they need throughout this journey.
Our goal is to be an independent resource that prioritises your child’s and your wellbeing.
“With clear information, you can make informed decisions to support their growth in a positive environment. No1Fan.club is driven by a love for the game and a commitment to young players’ best interests, both on and off the pitch. We understand the challenges families face and our community is here to guide you every step of the way. Together, we can help your child thrive and enjoy the beautiful game at any level.” – Marcia Lewis, CEO & Founder, No1Fan.club
What we do
At No1Fan.club, we help families like yours confidently navigate the challenges of raising young football talent to reach their full potential.
Providing better access to resources and information is key to improving knowledge, fostering transparency within the industry, and ensuring the best for our children’s development and wellbeing.
We felt families needed support on their journey through youth football because the path is often filled with practical, mental, and emotional obstacles that can be daunting to face alone.
By equipping families with the right tools and a supportive community, we aim to transform the youth football experience so that players and their loved ones can thrive.
Join us in our mission to change youth football for the better. Together, we can create a place where every child can reach their full potential, and every family feels supported through the challenges, and can celebrate the opportunities.
Listen to fellow parents, on our ‘Behind the Boots’ podcast, to hear why they think
this platform is so important.
No parent is sidelined
“Simplify the complex, demystify the confusion, and help you stay onside of the rules”
Our range of resources, including videos, audio, and interactive content, cater to different learning styles, making it easy to find the information you need. Plus, by connecting you with other parents and guardians who share your passion, you’ll never feel alone.
Inclusivity is at the heart of what we do. Our resources and community access ensure everyone has the tools and information to succeed, no matter their circumstances. We’re here to simplify the complex, demystify the confusion, and help you stay onside of the rules every step of the way.
Sign up now and be part of our community!
Meet the founders
Marcia Lewis and Kat Chidiac founded No1Fan.club after meeting as parents cheering on their children. Little did they know then that this would become their passion and pastime for years to come.
Though they started in the same place, their journeys through youth football have been vastly different. Kat experienced the helplessness of watching her son struggle to achieve his dream, but she learned to find joy in the journey— even in the mud and rain, and even when his team were losing 13-0.
Marcia initially saw her son’s early academy experience as a “free posh youth club”. That changed when agents and brands came knocking. She had to work hard to equip herself and her family to navigate the big decisions that came with Premier League contracts and youth international call-ups. By 2021, Marcia had earned an MSc in Football Business and became a licenced FIFA agent in 2023. Her goal was to share knowledge and resources with other families embarking on the journey.
Kat, is the author of “Now is New,” a self-help guide for young people struggling with mental health. Although no longer running No1Fan.club, she remains an integral part of the community, running workshops and providing support to members.
Marcia and Kat have worn many hats – from working in blue-chip companies and running their own businesses to developing educational programmes and workshops in their field.
Above all, they are parents, like many others on this platform, who have experienced the highs and lows of this journey with their children. They’ve faced practical and emotional challenges, but they’ve supported each other and grown to appreciate the gifts of their children playing this game, as well as the supportive community they’ve found along the way.
