A sporting chance to start a new life
WITH the World Cup in Brazil and Wimbledon underway and the Commonwealth Games starting in Glasgow next month, it’s a great summer of sport.
So franchisees offering sporting activities are set to score.
Richard Mann, 42, and wife Vikki, are the A-Star Sports franchisees in the Cheltenham area, offering ten sporting activities for youngsters.
‘ Big sporting events generate more interest in sports among families, so more children come along,’ says Richard.
He teaches 15 classes a week including football, volleyball, rounders and cricket in local sports halls, and is a trained coach.
Vikki organises local marketing and handles accounts. Their daughter Matilda, five, comes along to sessions.
Richard, a former financial services project manager, says: ‘Parents like the social and health benefits it provides for their children in a safe environment. It’s rewarding to see children increasing their skills and confidence all the time.’
Sharon Bassett, co-founder of the A-Star Sports franchise, says: ‘Sport always offers something topical. Some of our classes are running mini versions of the World Cup.
‘We are also brand partners for a new f ootball film called The Unbeatables, so that helps franchises market their businesses.’ Investment is £12,500.
SportsXtra franchisees run a team of coaches who teach physical activities classes and also offer activities to children. Managing director Rob Oyston says: ‘It is a management franchise, but you must still want to make a positive i mpact on c hi l dren’s lives.’ Investment is £9,800.
Running a sports franchise can be lucrative. Karl Fox, 33, a former professional footballer wit h Cambridge United, started as a Premier Sport franchisee at 18.
‘ My business has grown to a turnover of £500,000, and it’s a pleasure to go to work each day,’ he says. Premier Sport franchisees provide sports and physical activities in schools. Investment is £17,950.