Eddy Diaz
Although never disruptive at school, Eddy, 23,
from Glasgow, struggled to engage with education and left at the
end of his fourth year. Taking part in the Enterprise Programme was
a turning point in his life, and he now runs a successful
sports therapy business.
Eddy tried an apprenticeship in motor
mechanics and then plumbing, but he failed to complete either. With
a passion for sports, he started a sports therapy course at
college but he was unable to finish due to issues in his personal
life.
Eddy’s aunt
passed away and his parents separated and this had a profound
effect on Eddy. He found it difficult to concentrate at college and
struggled with his confidence and low moods.
After taking a year out to get back on track,
Eddy found part time work in a sports shop before returning to
college and successfully passing the sports therapy course.
Eddy was unemployed for six months before he
was referred to the Enterprise Programme, which proved to be a
turning point in his young life.
After completing the four-day course, Eddy
carried out extensive market research and spent a great deal
of time thinking about how he would run his business. Eddy's
insurance allowed him to start treating patients and testing his
idea and now his business is going from strength to
strength.
Eddy’s mobile sports therapy business offers
all types of sports injury treatment in the comfort of patient’s
homes and he now has a soccer centre with 700 players and a
youth football club with 14 teams interested in his services. This
is the result of his determination to market the business
and make contacts.
Eddy is now running a business he feels
passionate about. He has worked very hard to establish his business
and is still thrilled by positive customer testimonials, actively
using them to market his business to new customers. With a solid
business plan in place, Eddy plans to grown the business and
continue providing his services for free to various charity
events.
Champions
We would like to acknowledge the individuals or organisations
who have played a key role in helping this young person achieve
success through their Prince’s Trust programme.
- Lisa Whittaker, Programme Executive,
The Prince’s Trust
- Malcolm Black, National Australia
Bank
- Glasgow City Council