Established
2002
Franchise Units
350
Minimum Investment
$50,000
Franchise Fee
$25,000
Total Investment Range
$150,000
Home Based
No
Description
Little Kickers is one of the world’s most recognized early-years soccer and child-development programs, trusted by thousands of parents for its unique blend of structured play, imaginative learning, and age-appropriate physical activity. More than just a sports program, Little Kickers focuses on building confidence, coordination, early motor skills, social development, and creativity, all while introducing children to soccer in a joyful and pressure-free environment.
Originally launched in the United Kingdom, the brand has expanded across multiple continents and continues to gain massive traction in the USA. Its proven curriculum, recognizable branding, and strong community presence position Little Kickers as a high-value franchise opportunity for entrepreneurs seeking a meaningful business with strong recurring revenue. With demand for quality early childhood enrichment programs growing faster than ever, Little Kickers stands out as a recession-resistant, parent-backed concept that has scaled successfully around the world.
The franchise model is simple, flexible, and low-overhead—allowing owners to operate in leased indoor spaces, community centers, schools, and sports facilities. For investors looking for a purpose-driven business with the potential for multi-territory expansion, Little Kickers offers one of the most compelling franchise opportunities in the youth enrichment sector.
Background
Founded: 2002
Founder: Christine Kelly
Headquarters: London, United Kingdom
Industry Category: Youth Sports, Early Childhood Development, Children’s Enrichment
Global Presence: 350+ Locations Across 30+ Countries
USA Status: Growing nationwide with expanding territories and strong market interest
Little Kickers was founded in 2002 by Christine Kelly, a parent who recognized a major gap in the early childhood activity space—programs that not only introduced young children to sports but also nurtured confidence, imagination, and foundational life skills. Unable to find a program that blended structured play with meaningful child development, she created Little Kickers as a fun, curriculum-led soccer class for toddlers and preschoolers.
What began as a local community program quickly gained momentum. Parents embraced the innovative approach, coaches enjoyed the supportive structure, and children fell in love with the playful, imaginative sessions. As demand surged, the brand evolved into a franchise model, allowing passionate entrepreneurs worldwide to bring Little Kickers to their communities.
Over the past two decades, the company has transformed into one of the largest pre-school soccer and child development franchises in the world. The expansion has been driven by proven systems, a science-backed curriculum, and a strong network of franchisees who share a passion for early childhood development.
Today, Little Kickers is a global powerhouse with a rapidly expanding footprint in the United States. The franchise continues to prioritize innovation, safety, and quality coaching—ensuring that every child, from 18 months to 7 years old, experiences a joyful introduction to sports and movement.
Little Kickers’ success lies not only in its brand recognition but in its unwavering mission: to give children a positive, confidence-building start to physical activity through imagination-led play and professional coaching.
Support Training
Little Kickers offers one of the most comprehensive support ecosystems in the youth enrichment franchise category. Franchisees receive full guidance from onboarding to day-to-day operations.
Pre-Launch Support
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Territory planning and feasibility assistance
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Venue selection guidance (schools, gyms, community halls, turf centers)
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Business planning, budgeting, and operational setup
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Assistance with hiring coaches and administrative staff
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Access to Little Kickers’ extensive global franchise network for best practices
Initial Training
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Immersive franchisee training covering curriculum, operations, and business development
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Hands-on coaching methodology training
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Safety standards, child engagement techniques, and class management skills
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Enrollment management tools and customer service frameworks
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Marketing and community outreach training
Marketing & Brand Support
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Professionally designed marketing materials
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Social media content, seasonal campaigns, and promotional planning
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Website listing and online lead generation support
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Guidance on partnerships with schools, daycares, and community centers
Ongoing Support
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Regular calls, performance reviews, and growth planning sessions
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Updated class materials, new curriculum releases, and coaching enhancements
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Access to franchisee intranet and training videos
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Annual global conferences and cross-territory collaboration
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Support for scaling into multi-venue, multi-territory operations
Ideal Candidate
Little Kickers is ideal for individuals who want to combine business ownership with community impact. The model attracts a wide range of owners:
Strong Candidates Include:
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Entrepreneurs seeking a low-investment, scalable business
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Individuals passionate about children, fitness, education, or youth sports
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Former athletes or coaches who want to transition into ownership
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Parents seeking a flexible business with real purpose
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Investors looking for absentee or semi-absentee operational models
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Multi-unit franchisees who want to expand across territories
Personal Qualities That Contribute to Success
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Strong communication and leadership skills
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Ability to build community relationships
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Comfort managing part-time coaching staff
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Passion for delivering exceptional experiences to families
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Willingness to follow a proven system
Location Preferences
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Family-dense suburban markets
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Cities with strong youth activity participation
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Areas with schools, community centers, and recreational facilities
Little Kickers franchisees thrive when they genuinely care about helping children grow while building a financially strong business.
Financial Detail
(The following financial overview is based on typical franchise ranges and may vary by market, venue type, and territory size.)
Total Investment Required
$50,000 – $150,000
(A territory-based mobile model with minimal or no fixed facility costs)
Minimum Liquid Capital
$20,000 – $40,000
Franchise Fee
Approximately $25,000 – $35,000
(Depending on territory size and market)
Infrastructure Costs
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Equipment and props (balls, cones, mats, imagination tools)
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Branding materials
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Coaching uniforms
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Venue rental or lease fees (if required)
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Insurance and safety compliance
Marketing Budget
$3,000 – $10,000 for launch campaigns and ongoing advertising
Working Capital
$15,000 – $30,000
Royalty Fees
Typically a percentage-based royalty aligned with revenue, plus a brand fund contribution.
Expected ROI
With strong enrollment cycles, low overhead, and high class capacity, many franchise owners achieve healthy profit margins once established.
Break-Even Time
Commonly 6–12 months, depending on enrollment speed, venue access, and operational efficiency.
Revenue Streams
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Weekly soccer classes
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Camps and clinics
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Birthday parties and events
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Merchandise and branded gear
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School and daycare partnerships
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Private training sessions
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Multi-venue territory expansion