Key Results and Impact
Increase in lead generation volume
Reduction in cost per lead (CPL)
Improvement in trial attendance rates
Faster follow-up response time
Automation of lead nurturing and reminders
About Football Star Academy
When Football Star Academy Essendon teamed up with Melbourne marketing agency SoudCoh, the mission was clear — attract more young players and boost enrolments for kids aged 5 to 15. The goal wasn’t just to get attention but to build genuine engagement through video storytelling, smart automation, and high-performing Facebook and Instagram ads. The result? A thriving franchise growing faster than ever.
The Challenge
Low Lead-to-Attendance Conversion Rate
Plenty of parents showed interest but few followed through — the system didn’t effectively nurture or convert leads.
Lack of Local Brand Awareness
The academy’s visibility in the community wasn’t strong enough to drive consistent sign-ups from local families.
Inefficient Lead Tracking & Communication
Manual data handling made it hard to track parent enquiries or follow up quickly.
Trial Day No-Shows & Drop-Offs
Without automated reminders, parents often forgot trial days or lost interest before showing up.
No Automations
Every step was manual — from follow-ups to check-ins — wasting time and missing opportunities for engagement.
Scalability Problems
Without a centralised CRM or automation system, growing into new areas felt impossible.
Our Strategic Approach
Strategy
To transform Football Star Academy Essendon’s marketing, we combined creative storytelling with smart automation and data-driven Meta advertising. Every step was designed to capture attention, convert interest, and streamline communication.
Video Production for Maximum Impact
We filmed a full trial day using drones and multiple cameras, turning it into an emotional, high-energy video that connected with parents instantly. The footage became the heart of the ad campaign, showcasing fun, teamwork, and inclusivity.
Targeted Meta Advertising Campaigns
Facebook and Instagram ads targeted local parents with kids aged 5–15. Using A/B testing, we fine-tuned creative formats and messages to boost engagement and drive sign-ups through seamless lead forms.
CRM and Automation Setup
We built a custom CRM system integrated with automated SMS and WhatsApp sequences. Every new lead received instant confirmations, reminders, and updates — reducing manual effort and maximising conversions.
Trial Day Optimisation
QR codes allowed easy check-ins on trial day, giving real-time attendance tracking. Automated reminders before the event cut down no-shows dramatically.
AI Chatbot Integration
An AI-powered chatbot managed parent enquiries 24/7, answering questions about sessions, age groups, and enrolment details — ensuring parents stayed engaged from first click to final sign-up.
Target Audience
Our campaign zeroed in on first-home buyers across Australia — everyday Aussies dreaming of owning a brand-new home but struggling with hefty deposits. These were renters tired of paying off someone else’s mortgage, often young couples or families ready to take the leap. By speaking directly to their pain points and showing how Stop Rent Properties could help them buy with little to no deposit, we attracted engaged, high-intent buyers ready to take action.
Services
To power Football Star Academy growth, SoudCoh implemented a multi-layered marketing and automation system.
Meta (Facebook & Instagram) Advertising
Video Production & Editing
CRM Development & Automation
AI Chatbot Integration
SMS & WhatsApp Follow-Up Sequences
QR Code Attendance Tracking
Campaign Reporting & Analytics
Our multi-channel strategy quickly paid off, turning engagement into real-world attendance and enrolments.
Increase in lead generation volume
Reduction in cost per lead (CPL)
Improvement in trial attendance rates
Faster follow-up response time
Automation of lead nurturing and reminders
Why This Matters
This campaign proved that with the right mix of storytelling, smart automation, and targeted social media advertising, sports academies can achieve significant and sustainable growth. By combining engaging creative content with data-driven follow-ups, Football Star Academy Essendon turned interest into action and created a smoother, smarter path from sign-up to enrolment.
Now equipped with an automated marketing ecosystem, the academy is ready to scale faster, open new locations, and continue inspiring the next generation of football stars across Melbourne and beyond.
.jpg)
