Soccer 5

Navigating the burgeoning landscape of sports and recreation franchises presents a complex challenge for entrepreneurs seeking a high-growth, stable investment opportunity that aligns with evolving consumer demands. The critical problem for many prospective investors is identifying a brand that not only offers a proven operational model but also demonstrates robust market positioning, transparent financial requirements, and comprehensive support in a competitive industry. Soccer 5, a prominent brand in small-sided soccer facilities, emerges as a significant player addressing this need, offering franchise opportunities within the rapidly expanding "Fitness and Recreational Sports Centers" market. This sector, globally valued at USD 123.77 Billion in 2024, is projected to reach USD 180.44 Billion by 2033, exhibiting a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 4.06% from 2025-2033, with other estimates placing the 2025 market size at USD 148.03 billion, expected to grow to USD 324.05 billion by 2035 at an 8.15% CAGR. Soccer 5’s journey began in 2010 when co-founders Alan Georgeson and his two sons, Scott and Jack, opened their first Soccer 5 USA location in the U.S., having moved to the country in 2008. The Georgeson family established the brand as a leader in providing state-of-the-art facilities for a premier soccer experience across diverse age groups and skill levels, with the company's operational home office situated in Miami, Florida. Scott Georgeson currently serves as the President, leading the company's strategic direction, while Jack Georgeson is the Director of Business Development, spearheading the franchising arm, and Alan Georgeson holds the vital role of Co-Founder and Development Director. Soccer 5 began franchising in 2024, initially operating six company-owned locations, all within Florida, as of early 2024. However, the franchise system has since evolved to comprise 3 total units, all of which are franchised units, with 0 company-owned locations, indicating a strategic shift towards a pure-franchise model or conversion of initial corporate units. This brand’s strategic relevance for franchise investors is underscored by its position within a market poised for explosive growth, particularly with the 2026 FIFA World Cup games scheduled across 11 U.S. cities, creating a powerful secular tailwind for soccer-related businesses. While the company's operational home office is in Miami, Florida, the franchisor's headquarters for the Soccer 5 franchise entity is officially located in Woodinville, WA. This independent analysis aims to provide a data-dense evaluation, positioning Soccer 5 not merely as a business venture but as a strategic entry into a dynamic and culturally significant recreational segment.

The broader industry landscape for "Fitness and Recreational Sports Centers" presents a compelling narrative of sustained expansion and diversification, making it an attractive category for franchise investment. The global market, as noted, demonstrates robust growth, with various projections illustrating significant expansion: from USD 254.20 Billion in 2024, anticipated to reach USD 367.07 Billion by 2032 at a 4.7% CAGR, and another report estimating growth from USD 265.01 Billion in 2025 to USD 343.53 Billion by 2031 at a 4.42% CAGR. This category’s appeal is further amplified by its regional dominance in North America, which accounts for a substantial 37.5% or 39.36% of the global market share in 2024, with the United States market alone contributing a significant 94.30% within North America due to heightened health consciousness and a cultural emphasis on physical well-being. Key consumer trends are unequivocally driving this demand, including a pervasive increase in health and wellness awareness, leading a rising number of individuals to actively pursue fitness and recreational activities. There is a pronounced demand for customized, efficient, and convenient fitness experiences, alongside a growing interest in holistic health and wellness offerings that extend beyond traditional gym models. The rapid adoption of technology is another critical trend, with fitness centers increasingly incorporating wearable technologies, virtual fitness classes, and specialized fitness apps, alongside the expansion of hybrid models that offer both offline and online classes to enhance accessibility. Crucially for Soccer 5, the popularity of soccer is surging across the U.S., a trend that is expected to accelerate dramatically with the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup in North America. Small-sided soccer, specifically, is highlighted as an inclusive and highly accessible format, enabling customers to participate recreationally without requiring elite talent or peak fitness levels, mirroring the widespread appeal of activities like Top Golf or pickleball. Furthermore, the market is experiencing increased demand for restorative experiences, evidenced by a 155% surge in bookings for sports recovery sessions compared to the previous year, while the swimming segment is identified as the fastest-growing category, influenced by an aging demographic seeking joint-friendly physical activities and rehabilitation services. These secular tailwinds create a fertile ground for the Soccer 5 franchise, positioning it to capitalize on both broad fitness trends and the specific cultural momentum of soccer. The competitive dynamics within this market, while diverse, show clear segmentation; by facility type, gymnasiums and health clubs led the global market with approximately a 41.2% share in 2025 or 38.5% in 2024, driven by the popularity of strength training and cardio, with Yoga and Pilates studios emerging as the fastest-growing segment. By end user, the adult segment held approximately 46.3% share in 2025, while the kids and children segment is the fastest-growing, and the women's segment accounted for the largest market revenue share of 54.1% in 2024, fueled by participation in group fitness formats and women-centric clubs. These macro forces, encompassing health, technology, and cultural shifts towards accessible sports, collectively generate substantial opportunity for a well-positioned franchise like Soccer 5.

Investing in a Soccer 5 franchise necessitates a thorough understanding of its financial requirements, positioning it as a significant, premium-tier opportunity within the sports and recreation sector. The initial franchise fee for a single unit is cited with some variation, at $65,000, though other sources mention figures of $40,000 and $25,000, suggesting potential variations based on market, timing, or specific offering. This fee grants access to the established brand, operational systems, and comprehensive support infrastructure of Soccer 5. The total initial investment for a Soccer 5 franchise presents a wide range, estimated between $687,500 to $1,890,500, with other sources providing even broader ranges such as $276,500 to $2,955,500 and $290,000 to $2,900,000. This substantial spread is typically driven by factors such as real estate acquisition or leasehold improvements, the size and scope of the facility build-out, geographic location, and local construction costs, all of which significantly influence the final capital outlay for a franchisee. Prospective franchisees are generally required to demonstrate robust financial solvency, necessitating a minimum of $500,000 in liquid capital, though one source indicates a minimum cash required of $355,000. Furthermore, a minimum net worth of $1,000,000 is typically required, underscoring that this opportunity is geared towards well-capitalized individuals or investment groups. Ongoing financial obligations include a 7% royalty fee on gross revenue, a standard percentage designed to fund continuous corporate support, brand development, and system-wide improvements. Information regarding a specific advertising fund fee was not explicitly found in the search results, which can impact overall marketing costs for franchisees. When analyzing the total cost of ownership, the Soccer 5 franchise, with its substantial initial investment and ongoing royalty, positions itself as a mid-to-premium tier investment compared to the broader franchise sector, reflecting the capital-intensive nature of state-of-the-art sports facilities. A significant development in the corporate structure occurred in October 2025, when Soccer 5 Franchise LLC was acquired by Wonder Franchises, a subsidiary of Tucker's Farm Corporation. This acquisition provides substantial corporate backing and resources, with the Georgeson family retaining significant ownership and continuing to be key members of the leadership team, ensuring continuity and experienced guidance for franchisees. Adam Lewin is the CEO of Wonder Franchises, further strengthening the corporate oversight. For eligible candidates, Soccer 5 demonstrates a commitment to supporting those who have served, by offering a franchise fee discount for veterans, which can alleviate a portion of the initial investment.

The operational model and comprehensive support structure of the Soccer 5 franchise are designed to provide a "turnkey" solution, empowering franchisees to effectively manage and grow their businesses within the small-sided soccer sector. Daily operations at Soccer 5 centers are multifaceted, offering diverse revenue streams that ensure consistent traffic and engagement. These include field rentals for casual play, organized pick-up games, structured league play for various skill levels, youth academies focused on development, corporate events for team building, and concession sales to enhance the customer experience. The facilities themselves feature high-quality 4G turf fields, each with individual lining and cages, designed for uninterrupted gameplay and catering to a wide demographic, from 3-year-olds to seniors who can reserve playing times. The staffing requirements and labor model offer flexibility, as Soccer 5 supports various ownership models. Franchisees can opt for an "Executive Model," where they manage the business's strategic side while delegating daily operational responsibilities to a dedicated manager and team. Alternatively, an "Owner-Operator" role involves hands-on management of crucial functions such as scheduling, staff oversight, customer service, and vendor relations. While semi-absentee ownership is supported, the franchisor emphasizes that active engagement is crucial for success, with Jack Georgeson highlighting the necessity for franchisees to follow "our playbook" and remain hands-on, recognizing that success still demands significant time and grit, even with the ability to scale through a general manager. The initial training program is robust, with new franchisees receiving 4 days of intensive training at the company's headquarters, covering essential areas such as onboarding processes, technology integration, sales strategies, facility maintenance protocols, and curriculum implementation. Beyond initial training, the ongoing corporate support is extensive, forming a core component of the Soccer 5 franchise package. This includes dedicated assistance with site selection to identify optimal locations, expert guidance on facility design to ensure state-of-the-art construction, continuous operational training, and ongoing operational guidance from experienced field consultants. Franchisees gain access to proprietary software and advanced booking systems, streamlining management and customer interactions. The training platform itself incorporates cutting-edge technology, including gamified videos and quizzes, ensuring that new hires are thoroughly prepared and proficient in their roles. To enhance customer service and streamline reservations, a centralized bilingual call center is provided, relieving franchisees of direct customer inquiry management. Marketing assistance is a key component, with support to help drive community engagement, including providing advertising materials and sales aids. Furthermore, support extends to business development strategies, ongoing education, webinars, and networking opportunities for franchisees, fostering a collaborative and growth-oriented environment. Alan Georgeson specifically notes that construction management assistance is provided, a critical service designed to prevent owners from being "bogged down managing contractors" and to ensure that all facilities meet stringent quality standards for a successful grand opening. Ongoing research and development efforts are also part of the support structure, ensuring the Soccer 5 franchise remains at the forefront of facility technology and programming. While specific territory structure details are not explicitly provided, Soccer 5 is currently accepting franchise inquiries across a wide range of U.S. states and Canada, indicating a broad expansion strategy, and also offers master franchise opportunities for qualified multi-unit developers.

For prospective investors considering the Soccer 5 franchise, it is important to note that Item 19 financial performance data is not disclosed in the current Franchise Disclosure Document, meaning specific average revenue per unit, median revenue, or profit margins are not publicly available from the franchisor. In the absence of direct earnings claims, an investor must rely on a broader analysis of market dynamics, brand positioning, and operational indicators to assess potential unit-level performance. The "Fitness and Recreational Sports Centers" market, in which Soccer 5 operates, demonstrates significant financial potential, with the global market valued at USD 123.77 Billion in 2024 and projected to reach USD 180.44 Billion by 2033, growing at a 4.06% CAGR. Other projections are even more robust, with estimates of the market reaching USD 324.05 billion by 2035 at an 8.15% CAGR, or USD 372.86 Billion by 2033 at a 4.43% CAGR, underscoring a strong economic environment for such ventures. North America, accounting for 37.5% or 39.36% of this market in 2024, particularly the U.S. with 94.30% of the North American share, presents a lucrative regional focus for Soccer 5. The brand's unit count trajectory, while in its early franchising stages, provides some insight; Soccer 5 began franchising in 2024, having operated six company-owned locations in Florida as of early 2024. The current franchise data indicates a system comprising 3 total units, all of which are franchised units, with 0 company-owned locations. This suggests a rapid transition towards a franchise-centric model shortly after commencing franchising, or a conversion of initial corporate units into franchised operations, reflecting the company's commitment to its franchise growth strategy. The brand’s ambitious expansion plans, anticipating explosive growth as the 2026 FIFA World Cup approaches, suggest a positive outlook for unit-level revenue generation, driven by increased soccer popularity and participation. Furthermore, Soccer 5 centers are designed with diverse revenue streams, including field rentals, pick-up games, league play, youth academies, corporate events, and concession sales, which are structured to ensure consistent traffic and multiple avenues for income generation, thereby mitigating reliance on a single service offering. The strategic partnership with BrandONE, initiated in February 2024, is explicitly aimed at finding qualified U.S. franchisees and driving this expansion across the country, further indicating a proactive approach to scaling the Soccer 5 franchise system and, by extension, enhancing the revenue potential for new units. The acquisition by Wonder Franchises in October 2025, a subsidiary of Tucker's Farm Corporation, injects additional corporate resources and strategic backing, which can be leveraged to support franchisee success and system-wide growth. The FPI Score of 52 (Moderate) further indicates a balanced risk-reward profile, suggesting a reasonable investment opportunity for those meeting the financial and operational commitment requirements, even without explicit Item 19 disclosures. These signals collectively suggest that while specific financial performance representations are unavailable, the Soccer 5 franchise is positioned within a high-growth market, supported by experienced leadership and a strategic expansion plan, offering a compelling opportunity for investors to capitalize on the surging interest in soccer and recreational sports.

The growth trajectory of the Soccer 5 franchise, though in its nascent stages of franchising, indicates a clear and ambitious path forward, underpinned by strategic corporate developments and a distinct competitive advantage. The brand commenced franchising in 2024, building upon an initial foundation of six company-owned locations operating in Florida as of early 2024. The current system reflects 3 total units, all franchised, with 0 company-owned locations, demonstrating a focused shift to a franchise model shortly after its launch into franchising. This early stage of growth is poised for acceleration, with the company anticipating explosive growth, particularly as the 2026 FIFA World Cup approaches, with games scheduled in 11 U.S. cities, creating a powerful market catalyst for the Soccer 5 franchise. Recent corporate developments significantly bolster this growth outlook. In October 2025, Soccer 5 Franchise LLC was strategically acquired by Wonder Franchises, a subsidiary of Tucker's Farm Corporation, an acquisition specifically aimed at accelerating the brand’s expansion into new markets and providing robust corporate backing. This move ensures that the Georgeson family, who retained significant ownership, continues to contribute their 15+ years of experience as key members of the leadership team. Furthermore, in February 2024, Soccer 5 USA forged a strategic partnership with BrandONE, a franchise growth and development consultancy, explicitly designed to assist in finding qualified U.S. franchisees and driving nationwide expansion, signaling a proactive approach to scaling the Soccer 5 franchise system. Wonder Franchises, as the parent company, is also dedicated to growing both the corporate-unit footprint and the franchise system, indicating a dual strategy for market penetration. The competitive moat for Soccer 5 is multifaceted, built upon its reputation as a leader in providing state-of-the-art facilities for a premier small-sided soccer experience. This includes high-quality 4G turf fields with individual lining and cages, proprietary software and booking systems that streamline operations, and a centralized bilingual call center for superior customer service and reservations. The brand also offers unique construction management assistance, as noted by Alan Georgeson, which helps prevent owners from being "bogged down managing contractors" and ensures facility quality. Soccer 5's focus on inclusive and accessible small-sided soccer, catering to players from 3-year-olds to seniors without requiring outstanding talent or fitness, positions it uniquely in the recreational sports market, akin to the broad appeal of Top Golf or pickleball. The brand is actively adapting to current market conditions by capitalizing on the surging popularity of soccer in the U.S., heightened health and wellness awareness, and the demand for convenient, customized fitness experiences, leveraging its comprehensive training platform with cutting-edge technology including gamified videos and quizzes. These strategic partnerships, corporate backing, and inherent competitive advantages position the Soccer 5 franchise for sustained and significant expansion in the coming years.

The ideal Soccer 5 franchisee is envisioned as a highly motivated entrepreneur who possesses a genuine passion for both soccer and business, aligning with the brand's mission to provide a premier recreational experience. Prospective franchisees must meet stringent financial requirements, including a minimum of $500,000 in liquid capital, with one source indicating a minimum cash required of $355,000, and a minimum net worth of $1,000,000. While specific prior industry experience is not explicitly mandated, a background in management, business operations, or even a strong affinity for community sports programs would be advantageous. Soccer 5 supports various ownership models, offering flexibility for investors; candidates can choose an "Executive Model" where they manage the strategic aspects of the business while delegating daily operations to a dedicated manager and