11 Football Pro (EFP): From Grassroots to Greatness

When 11 Football Pro (EFP) started its journey, it was a small football academy with big dreams. In 2017, EFP set out to expand its reach and impact, and ThreeSixteen was proud to be part of this transformation. With a strategic marketing approach, innovative branding, and a commitment to excellence, EFP grew from a modest 80-100 kids per season to reaching its full capacity of 600 players per season.

Our mission was to build more than just a football academy; we aimed to create a brand that inspires, resonates, and lasts.

The Brand: Timeless, Bold, and Relatable

At ThreeSixteen, we understood that EFP needed a brand identity that could withstand the test of time and speak directly to its audience—players, parents, and potential sponsors alike.

Our approach included:

  • A Strong Visual Identity: Developing a branding system that embodies the academy’s dynamic spirit while maintaining consistency across all touchpoints.
  • Emotional Connection: Crafting a narrative that emphasizes the academy’s role in shaping young athletes beyond the field—building discipline, teamwork, and resilience.
  • Engaging Communication: Developing messaging that resonates with both children and parents, making them feel part of the EFP family.

The evolution of 11 Football Pro (EFP) wasn’t just about growth in numbers—it was about building a brand that stands the test of time. EFP’s identity is more than just a football academy; it’s a representation of passion, discipline, and a relentless pursuit of excellence. From the start, our goal at ThreeSixteen was to craft a brand that resonated with young athletes, parents, and potential sponsors alike, while capturing the true essence of the academy’s mission.

We developed a visual identity that reflects EFP’s dynamic and ambitious spirit, ensuring it appeals to both players and their families. The blue and yellow color palette was carefully chosen to symbolize trust, energy, and ambition, reinforcing the academy’s dedication to developing future football stars. Every element—from the typography to the imagery—was designed to create a sense of inspiration, belonging, and pride.

A critical aspect of EFP’s branding was the creation of a strong emotional connection. Through rallying cries like “We Are 11” and immersive branding within training facilities, we instilled a sense of unity and motivation among players, fostering a culture that goes beyond the game. The brand became a badge of honor, a source of pride for those who wear it, and a symbol of aspiration for those looking to join.

Beyond aesthetics, we positioned EFP as a forward-thinking academy, blending European football expertise with local market insights. This differentiation factor helped EFP stand out in the competitive landscape, offering a unique value proposition that appeals to parents looking for professional, structured football training for their children.

The Marketing Game Plan: From Local to National Impact

We took a strategic, multi-channel marketing approach to amplify EFP’s presence and create a national-level impact. Our efforts focused on two main pillars:

1. Internal Engagement:

  • Enhancing the “You-Belong-Here” sentiment through field branding, visual identity, and personalized experiences.
  • On-field activations, including branded training kits, team chants, and motivational messaging to boost team spirit and affiliation.
  • Strengthening client loyalty through targeted communication and personalized outreach.

2. External Visibility:

  • Launching Above-the-Line (ATL) marketing campaigns, including high-impact social media advertising and strategic outdoor placements (unipoles) along key locations to drive awareness.
  • Implementing Below-the-Line (BTL) strategies, such as targeted digital ads across Facebook, Instagram, and Google, ensuring EFP remained top-of-mind for parents seeking football training for their kids.
  • Strategic partnerships with sponsors and affiliates to extend the academy’s reach and credibility.

The Digital Experience: Building an Online Powerhouse

A strong digital presence was critical in driving awareness and engagement for EFP. We focused on:

  • Revamping the Website:
    • Developing an intuitive, user-friendly website that showcases EFP’s programs, success stories, and academy milestones.
    • Optimizing for SEO to increase discoverability and drive organic traffic.
    • Integrating a live scheduling system for easy access to training sessions and events.
  • Social Media Domination:
    • Implementing a robust content strategy featuring player highlights, coach insights, event promotions, and community engagement.
    • Leveraging Instagram and Facebook to create an emotional connection with parents and young athletes.
    • Encouraging user-generated content to foster a sense of community and pride among EFP families

The Results: A Story of Growth and Success

Our strategic efforts delivered tangible results, turning EFP into a force to be reckoned with in the football academy scene:

  • 600+ Players per Season: A 6X growth from its initial enrollment.
  • 80% Increase in Social Engagement: Boosted interaction across Facebook and Instagram, driving higher inquiries and conversions.
  • Top-of-Mind Awareness: EFP became a go-to choice for football training in the region, attracting both players and potential sponsors.
  • Stronger Sponsor Relationships: Increased brand equity opened doors to valuable sponsorship opportunities and long-term partnerships.
  • Player Retention & Loyalty: Enhanced sense of belonging through targeted messaging and personalized outreach initiatives.

Conclusion: A Winning Strategy for a Winning Team

EFP’s journey from a small academy to a thriving football powerhouse is a testament to the power of strategic branding, thoughtful marketing, and an unwavering commitment to excellence. What started as a modest initiative with 80 to 100 players per season has evolved into a fully-fledged academy boasting 600 players per season, a growth fueled by the combination of a timeless brand identity, data-driven marketing strategies, and community-driven engagement.

By blending creativity with strategy, we didn’t just build a brand—we built a movement. Through carefully curated messaging, visually striking branding, and a people-first digital experience, EFP was able to establish itself as more than just an academy; it became a destination where young athletes thrive, families feel connected, and opportunities are born.

From the very beginning, ThreeSixteen worked to align every touchpoint with EFP’s core values—empowerment, discipline, and excellence—ensuring that the academy’s message resonated with both parents and aspiring players. Our targeted digital and offline campaigns positioned EFP as a leader in the Lebanese football scene, helping it stand out in a competitive market while attracting both students and valuable sponsorships.

The impact of our collaboration is evident not only in the numbers but in the lasting relationships, brand loyalty, and the academy’s expanding influence across Lebanon. The new branding has become an emblem of pride for players, and the engaging marketing strategies continue to fuel interest and enrollment year after year.

At ThreeSixteen, we believe that true success goes beyond statistics—it’s about creating a legacy. And with EFP, we’ve done just that. Their story of growth, resilience, and excellence is just the beginning, and we are honored to have played a role in their transformation into a top-tier football academy.

Scroll to Top