James Roach may have played a key role as one of south Essex’s leading non-league football clubs reached Wembley, but he has now turned his attentions towards expanding his businesses.
The former West Ham United academy coach, who lives in Leigh, left his role as a member of Concord Rangers’ coaching staff after the Beach Boys’ narrow FA Trophy final defeat to Harrogate Town on Monday.
James is now looking to expand his trio of businesses - Coach Roach Soccer, Everything in Sport and New Level Soccer.
The Coach Roach Soccer training facility, based in Benfleet’s Manor Trading Estate, is currently getting a makeover with a brand-new gym being installed following an expansion.
James, 41, is hoping to take all three of his businesses to the next level by devoting more time.
He said: “I want Coach Roach Soccer to be the best one-to-one grassroots training facility.
“New Level Soccer also revolves around sports coaching and it’s something I’m passionate about.
Looking to expand - James Roach outside the CRS Training Centre in Benfleet
“All three of my businesses link together and we run them from the Coach Roach Soccer training facility.
“I want to build the Coach Roach Soccer brand and make it bigger.
“It’s been just over two years since our facility opened and we have come a long way.
“The gym should be complete within the next month and I want to streamline my businesses.
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“Time is the biggest factor in business and leaving Concord will allow me to expand all three of mine.”
While the Coach Roach Soccer and New Level Soccer revolve around what happens on the pitch, Everything in Sport will see James head to the likes of the Dominican Republic and the American city of Portland for conferences.
James admits departing Concord was the only option to ensure he reaches his potential.
Impressive facilities - James Roach offers one-to-one training at the CRS Training Centre
He added: “I thoroughly enjoyed my time at Concord but it felt like heading to Wembley for the final was the perfect time to sign off.
“Being at Concord coincided with the coronavirus pandemic, which resulted in businesses struggling.
“But Coach Roach Soccer, Everything in Sport and New Level Soccer are my bread and butter and I would be unable to take the businesses to where I want while still working for Concord.
“It was a tough decision to make, but Wembley was a wonderful venue to go out on.
“Maybe in two or three years I’ll look to go into non-league management.”
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