Children Sports Franchises for Sale

A guide to sports franchises

Sports franchises represent one of the most rewarding sectors in the UK franchise market, combining a passion for physical activity with genuine business opportunity. Whether you want to coach young children in football, gymnastics or rugby, or run a broader multi-sport coaching programme, there is something here to suit a wide range of ambitions and budgets. With 19 live opportunities on the directory and investment levels starting from as little as £995 and reaching up to £25,000, the sports franchise sector is accessible to first-time business owners and experienced operators alike.

How much does a sports franchise cost?

Investment levels across sports franchises vary considerably depending on the scale of the concept, the training provided, and the brand’s maturity. Most opportunities in this category sit in the lower-to-mid range, making it one of the more affordable sectors in UK franchising.

• Under £5,000 — Entry-level opportunities include Didi Rugby (£995) and Rugrats Rugby (£3,995), ideal for those looking to start lean with a focused sport-specific concept.
• £5,000–£10,000 — A popular mid-entry band featuring BabyBallers (£5,000), Total Sports Coaching (£5,500), Premier Sport (£7,450), First Gymnastics (£8,250), Pro Elite Football Academy (£8,995), and Soccer Shooters (£9,000).
• £10,000–£16,000 — Established and widely recognised brands including A-Star Sports (£12,500), Premier Education (£14,500), Progressive Sports (£14,950), Kixx (£14,995), Little Kickers (£15,000), and Sherpa Kids (£15,000).
• £16,000–£25,000 — Larger, more developed opportunities such as SportsCool (£19,995), Onside Coaching (£20,000), Power Kids Gym (£20,000), and The Foxes Club (£25,000).

Types of sports franchise

• Baby and toddler sports classes — Structured sessions for very young children introducing movement, coordination and sport in a fun environment. Examples include Didi Rugby, BabyBallers, and Little Kickers.
• Primary-age coaching and academies — Sport-specific or multi-sport coaching delivered in schools, leisure centres and community venues, typically for children aged 4–12. Examples include Premier Sport, A-Star Sports, and Pro Elite Football Academy.
• Multi-sport and curriculum-linked programmes — Franchises that partner with schools to deliver PE, after-school clubs and holiday camps, often tied to curriculum outcomes. Examples include Premier Education, Progressive Sports, and SportsCool.
• Gymnastics and specialist fitness — Dedicated facilities or class-based concepts focused on specific disciplines. Examples include First Gymnastics and Power Kids Gym.
• Wraparound care with sport — Franchises blending sport and active play with before- and after-school childcare provision, such as Sherpa Kids and The Foxes Club.

Is a sports franchise right for you?

Sports franchises tend to suit people who are energetic, enjoy working with children and young people, and want a business that makes a visible difference in their community. A background in sport, teaching or coaching is helpful but not always essential — many franchisors provide comprehensive training and ongoing support to get you delivery-ready. You should look carefully at the territory on offer, what exclusivity you receive, and whether the model generates recurring weekly income through block bookings or ongoing school contracts rather than relying solely on one-off sessions.

Consider the brand’s track record and the support network available to you as a franchisee. Stronger brands will offer structured induction training, marketing materials, a management system, and an active community of fellow franchisees to learn from. Think also about your lifestyle goals — many of these franchises can be run flexibly, but growth typically requires hiring coaches as your programme expands.

Frequently asked questions

How much does a sports franchise cost in the UK?
Investment levels range from £995 for entry-level concepts such as Didi Rugby up to £25,000 for more developed businesses like The Foxes Club. The majority of opportunities sit between £5,000 and £20,000.

Do I need sports coaching experience to run a sports franchise?
Not necessarily. Many franchisors welcome franchisees from business, management or education backgrounds and provide full coaching and operational training. A genuine enthusiasm for sport and working with young people is usually more important than formal coaching qualifications.

Are sports franchises mainly focused on children?
The majority of opportunities in this category are centred on children and young people, covering age groups from babies right through to secondary school age. This reflects the strong demand for structured sports activity and development programmes for younger participants.

Can I run a sports franchise part-time?
Some concepts, particularly at the lower investment end, can be started on a part-time or semi-flexible basis. However, most franchisors encourage franchisees to commit sufficient time to build their territory and develop relationships with schools and venues.

What ongoing support can I expect as a franchisee?
This varies by brand, but most established franchisors offer initial training, branded resources, marketing support, and regular contact with a dedicated franchise manager. Reviewing the franchise agreement carefully and speaking to existing franchisees before signing is always advisable.