Levelling the playing field in football training with innovative engineering
LauncherLab co-founders Sammy Ayoub, Sharif Din-Lawrence, and Navindu Pigera share a passion for football—not only as spectators but as players themselves. While they weren’t professional-level athletes, their keen interest in the game led them to identify a critical issue in sports training: elite football training technology, widely used by professional clubs, remained inaccessible to grassroots teams due to prohibitive costs.
Determined to bridge this gap, the trio envisioned an affordable training solution that could replicate professional drills for amateur players and grassroots teams.
Solution
The team developed an innovative football launcher—envisioned as a football-specific equivalent to tennis ball launchers—which allows users to preload up to five footballs. Using two rotating wheels, the launcher fires balls consistently at adjustable speeds (up to 60 mph—the average professional kick) and angles, even imparting spin or curl to the ball.
This consistent delivery greatly enhances training efficiency, allowing players to repeatedly practice specific skills, such as shooting or ball control, without the variability or fatigue associated with manual delivery.
Heriot-Watt Support
LauncherLab participated in Heriot-Watt’s Global Innovation Challenge (GIC), receiving structured training over ten weeks in business fundamentals, product development, market strategy, and investor pitching. The team’s exposure to a Dragons Den-style pitching exercise was transformative, equipping them with critical skills and confidence. LauncherLab won the GIC ‘Best Prototype’ category, earning £3,000 funding to further enhance their product.
Reflecting on this experience, the team shared:
We knew we had a good idea, but we didn’t really know how to get started. It was daunting…The commercialisation team at Heriot-Watt outlined a clear approach to business for us. There’s no question we’d be further behind without their help. We’ve really developed our pitching thanks to the GIC…The development team is still in weekly contact, offering services, help, and advice. It’s a fantastic resource.
Progress and future ambitions
LauncherLab is currently patent pending and actively developing a second-generation prototype. The team is incorporating, establishing its online presence, and engaging potential investors to support growth.
LauncherLab remains determined to democratise elite-level training technology, making professional-quality practice sessions achievable for grassroots clubs and aspiring players around the globe.