World Cup hope for five-a-side pitch demand

Goals Soccer Centres hope the World Cup boosts demand for their facilities

Demand for five-a-side football pitches boosted profits at Goals Soccer Centres which plan to expand and open their first US outlet.

The East Kilbride-based firm's pitch rental sales rose by 1% in 2009 and new sites and food and drink revenue put total sales growth up to 10%.

Pre-tax profits increased by 7% to £8.8m.

The company said they believed the World Cup in South Africa would do more to boost interest in the centres.

There was a dip in demand last year for birthday parties and in corporate events and sponsorship, but the company expects these elements to pick up this year.

Future targets

Goals Soccer Centres operate 34 five-a-side football centres in Britain, and are planning to open 40 new sites over seven years, including the first American outlet in Los Angeles.

While they raised £11m in new share equity last year, they are carrying a £38m debt, but said they were well able to meet the terms with the Halifax Bank of Scotland.

In a statement to the stock market, management at Goals Soccer Centres reported that heavy snowfalls this winter affected trading, but after a delayed start to the operating year in January, sales have continued to rise.

Managing director Keith Rogers said: "This year's World Cup offers us some great opportunities and we are already witnessing an increased interest in corporate events."

The company have a franchise operation in South Africa, which is yet to open any centres.