A fast-growing football academy franchise founded in Doncaster has attracted three more professional footballers

The 29-year-old will be launching Kixx Newport at the end of March, while Labadie’s teammate, Ade Azeez has also joined up with Wrexham striker, JJ Hooper, with the pair set to open Kixx Bromley in April this year.

Kixx was founded by former footballer Ben Hunter in 2011.

And in the last eight years the children’s football coaching specialist has opened 42 franchises across the country.

Marc Potter, Kixx operations director, said: “We are delighted that Joss, JJ and Ade will be starting their own Kixx Franchises. They are incredible athletes who are still enjoying professional football careers, playing at a very high level.

“Not only do they bring a fantastic knowledge and experience of football to Kixx, but they also share our vision to truly make a difference to the lives of children they impact through coaching and future community activities.”

In 2019, Doncaster Rovers star James Coppinger signed up to a Kixx franchise which led to the 39-year-old, Rovers’ record appearance holder, launching Kixx Middlesbrough and Kixx Redcar in September 2019.

Last year, the academy franchise was recognised by both Barclays and Goldman Sachs as one of the high-growth businesses in the UK.

Mr Potter said: “Our business is attracting eyes and interest from professional footballers across the country.

“Not just from the financial and growth potential, but with regards to business values and the huge impact Kixx academies are having on children throughout the country.”

Kixx aims ‘to positively impact a child’s life at every opportunity’. It says its programme ‘offers a high energy, fun, creative and age-appropriate introduction to physical activity through football and is also a great opportunity for your children to make friends’.

By the end of the year, Kixx aims to have more than 600 football academies.