Igniting the Football Flame: Luke Maker and the Birth of BasePlayer

Football isn’t just a game—it’s a shared passion that unites communities, sparks friendships, and shapes futures. For Luke Maker, founder of BasePlayer and proud father, football became more than just a weekend pastime; it became the catalyst for his latest business venture.

It all began on the rain-soaked pitches of Saints Southwest Academy, where Luke watched his son's love for the beautiful game flourish. From those early, joyful mini tots sessions to his son’s proud selection for Devon’s regional team, football quickly became a central part of their lives. But there was a catch—the English weather.

Anyone who's spent time on a pitch knows that football in the UK can be a test of endurance, not just skill. Wind, rain, and cold conditions often dampen spirits, especially for young players. Luke noticed this struggle firsthand as his son battled the elements. Despite his relentless search, the thermal gear available wasn’t cutting it. The market was flooded with low-quality, thin, and ineffective products, failing to keep his son warm.

Determined not to let poor clothing hold his son back, Luke took matters into his own hands. He set out to create BasePlayer—a brand built on the principles of quality, sustainability, and a deep commitment to supporting young athletes. BasePlayer’s high-performance thermal layers are designed to protect children from the elements, helping them stay warm and focused, regardless of the conditions. With every detail carefully considered, Luke has ensured that young players, like his son, have the foundation they need to reach their potential.

But for Luke, BasePlayer is more than just a business; it’s a way to give back to the community that fuelled his son’s football journey. Saints Southwest holds a special place in his heart. It’s not just the place where his son developed his love for the game—it’s also where he was spotted by Plymouth Argyle, earning a coveted spot in their Academy at the age of eight. The Academy didn’t just nurture his son’s skills, it inspired Luke’s business. Sponsoring Saints Southwest felt like the perfect way to launch BasePlayer, supporting the next generation of players just as the Academy supported his own son.

A Partnership Rooted in Community

To celebrate this partnership, BasePlayer is offering a 10% discount to all Saints Southwest members. For a limited time, players and parents alike can benefit from this exclusive offer, ensuring young athletes are equipped with the best gear to face the elements. Simply use the code BPSSWGREAT at checkout on www.base-player.com, but hurry—the offer is only available until 31st October 2024.

Mark Titchard, Director of Saints Southwest, is equally excited about the collaboration:"We are thrilled to have BasePlayer as our main Academy shirt sponsor. It’s fantastic to see a local business, born from a parent’s experience with our academy, now giving back in such a meaningful way. Luke’s commitment to supporting young athletes mirrors our own values here at Saints Southwest, and we’re proud to partner with a brand that not only cares about performance but also about community."

Luke Maker’s journey is a testament to the power of football to unite, inspire, and create lasting change. Whether it’s on the pitch or through the development of BasePlayer, his commitment to supporting young athletes shines through. As the Saints Southwest players pull on their jerseys, warmed and protected by BasePlayer gear, they carry forward not just the legacy of Luke’s son but the promise of a brand built on passion, community, and the pursuit of greatness.

Football is more than a game—it’s a family, and with BasePlayer, that family is set to thrive, no matter the weather.