April 7, 2026
Peter Dare's connection with We Make Footballers goes back to 2010, when he and WMF founder Sean Conlon became friends in England. When Peter relocated to the United States, he built his own coaching company in Miami — gaining experience in the American market and developing a reputation in the South Florida soccer community.
The two stayed in close contact over the years, and Sean spent time with Peter in Miami coaching and sharing what WMF had built in the UK. By 2023, the conversations turned serious: Peter would bring the We Make Footballers brand to America and become the organization's first-ever US franchisee.
In January 2024, that became a reality. Peter launched WMF Miami in Opa-locka, Florida, combining his deep understanding of the local market with the proven WMF system. Today, the academy operates across two venues in the Opa-locka area, coaching over 100 children and families every week and growing fast through new school partnerships, community programs, and a reputation for doing things differently.
Peter had already built a coaching business in Miami, but partnering with WMF gave him the systems, brand, and methodology to scale something much bigger. His goal is to give young coaches and players in South Florida the same structured development pathway that WMF has proven in the UK.
After years of friendship and shared coaching time with Sean, Peter saw that the WMF model was exactly what the American grassroots system needed. The decision to formalize the franchise in 2023 turned a long-running conversation into the first US territory.
Choosing Opa-locka was intentional. Peter wanted to build something meaningful in a community where high-quality, structured coaching wasn't always accessible. Working alongside the City of Opa-locka, local organizations, and the U.S. Soccer Foundation, the academy is launching free after-school programs and scholarship partnerships to expand access to soccer for every child in the area.
What started as one venue and a handful of players has grown into a multi-venue program serving families across the Opa-locka area. Peter and his team now deliver weekly training sessions, holiday soccer camps, and competitive development opportunities through the Opa Locka Academy Football Club — giving children of all abilities a pathway from their first touch to structured match play.
Peter's experience running his own coaching company in Miami before joining WMF means he understands the local market inside out. Combined with the WMF system, that local knowledge has driven rapid growth. Through partnerships with local schools and community organizations, including collaborations with the City of Opa-locka and the U.S. Soccer Foundation, the academy is opening doors for even more young players — with free after-school programs and scholarship places launching in 2025.
Peter at WMF Miami creates meaningful change in young athletes' lives. These metrics demonstrate the tangible results of dedicated coaching.
Peter and WMF founder Sean Conlon become friends in England. Peter later relocates to the United States and builds his own coaching company in Miami, gaining deep experience in the American soccer market while staying in close contact with Sean and following WMF's growth in the UK.
After years of friendship and shared time on the pitch, conversations between Peter and Sean turn serious. Peter commits to bringing the We Make Footballers brand to America as the organization's first-ever US franchisee.
Peter launches WMF Miami in Opa-locka, Florida. Sessions begin at Soccerland and Ingram Park with a growing group of committed families. The academy quickly gains traction through word of mouth and community outreach.
The academy grows to over 100 children and families, introduces the Opa Locka Academy Football Club for competitive players, and begins building school partnerships across the area. Summer camps launch with week-long programs attracting players aged 5–13. Partnerships with the City of Opa-locka, local organizations, and the U.S. Soccer Foundation bring free after-school programs and scholarship opportunities to the community. Multi-territory expansion is on the horizon.
Running a We Make Footballers franchise means combining business ownership with time on the field. Here's what a typical Monday looks like for Peter once the academy is established.
Peter starts the day reviewing bookings and player feedback in the Parent Area, planning upcoming camps and checking which sessions are approaching capacity. He'll spend time on local outreach — connecting with schools, community partners, and parents on social media — before preparing session plans using the WMF coaching syllabus. With new school partnerships in development and free after-school programs launching, there's always a community conversation to move forward.
By late afternoon, Peter is at Soccerland welcoming players and parents for the Monday evening sessions. The 4–7 age group kicks off at 5:30 PM, followed by the 8–12s at 6:30 PM. Sessions are built around high-repetition technical drills, 1v1s, and small-sided games — every child getting 500+ touches of the ball. Peter's coaching philosophy centers on "Discovery Learning": creating environments where players solve the game themselves rather than being told what to do. After the final session, he catches up with parents, updates his notes on standout players, and heads home knowing another group of kids left the field buzzing.
"My experience with We Make Footballers has exceeded expectations. The seamless synergy between the UK and US teams, along with Sean's support, ensures long-term success. I am excited about the future and the legacy we are building in Miami, contributing to a developmental and player-focused approach in American soccer." — Peter Dare, Academy Director, We Make Footballers Miami
Whether you're already coaching or looking for a way to turn your passion for soccer into a new career, We Make Footballers gives you the systems, support, and brand to build a sustainable academy in your local area — just like Peter has in Miami.
