MARKET POTENTIAL
More than 15 million people regularly play grassroots football in England alone, demonstrating the scale of OREWAL’s potential market. Previous independent research also identified a practical problem experienced by players and parents: storing, transporting and drying muddy football boots can be inconvenient and unhygienic. OREWAL will initially target grassroots football families, amateur players and coaches in the UK. Early market testing will confirm demand, preferred features and an acceptable retail price before the business progresses to wider production.
This figure is supported by the Football Foundation, which reports that more than 15 million people in England play football regularly. The FA has also stated that grassroots football contributes approximately £15.9 billion to society annually and aims to attract a further 220,000 players by 2028 through 15,000 new teams (The FA).
INVESTMENT
OREWAL is seeking staged early-stage funding to progress from concept to market. The first funding requirement is approximately £5,000–£10,000 to complete the 3D CAD design, manufacture and test a working prototype, and refine the product using feedback from players, parents and coaches.
Following successful testing, further funding will be sought to cover tooling, product certification, packaging, marketing and an initial manufacturing batch. The final amount will be based on confirmed supplier quotations, minimum order quantities and expected customer demand. Pre-orders or crowdfunding may also be used to reduce the financial risk of the first production run.
ROADMAP
The next stage is to finalise the product specifications, commission a 3D CAD model and obtain prototype quotations. A working prototype will then be tested with football players, parents and coaches. Feedback will guide any design improvements before manufacturing costs are confirmed and a small pilot production run or crowdfunding campaign is considered.
ROI
As OREWAL is currently pre-revenue, it is too early to promise a specific return on investment. The initial commercial objective is to confirm that the product can be manufactured at a viable cost and sold at a sustainable margin. Early success will be measured through prototype testing, customer feedback, expressions of interest and pre-orders, followed by achieving break-even on the first production run.
PARTNERSHIPS
OREWAL is seeking relationships with product designers, prototype specialists and manufacturers to support the development of a working prototype and prepare the product for commercial production. Following successful testing, we will explore partnerships with grassroots football clubs, academies, coaches and sports retailers to test the product, build awareness and develop potential sales channels. We also welcome enquiries from suitable funding and distribution partners.