TWO MINUTES WITH SPORT STAR ACADEMY FOUNDER PETER NIKOLAKOPOULOS

My background is a combination of sport and small business. I played with South Melbourne Hellas in the National League and was offered a full scholarship with the University of South Carolina. I then played for Oakleigh and Port Melbourne in the Premier League and captained the winning Australian team in the 5-a-Side Hyundai World Championships in Korea.

On return from Korea, I was approached to start coaching a young player. From here, I developed a passion for coaching and wanting to improve the skills of junior players. And it was clear there was a need for a professional coaching business to help develop these future football stars.

Running a promotions and marketing business gave me insight into understanding what customers want. From there, I returned to what I was passionate about, sport. It’s all about sport – if I wasn’t running this franchise I would have a player management company.

I’m very involved in the franchise, I’m still very hands-on in all business divisions. I’m always available to speak with franchisees. My leadership is defined by consistently thinking about the success of our franchise partners and how they can grow their business to the best of their ability.

Measuring the success of the franchise business is about franchisees. It’s defined through multi-site operators. Success comes through franchisees’ purchasing multiple SSA brands.

I plan to nationally expand all the sports under the Sport Star Academy division. My long-term goal is to launch The AllStars Academy and go international.

I believe the best form of defence is attack; that’s how I approach any obstacle. Full on.

In this business I’ve learned that anything is possible if you believe in yourself and follow your purpose.