Sofive Soccer Centers, owned and operated by Manchester City’s parent company, City Football Group (CFG), is expanding its footprint in the United States. Through an eight-figure investment, CFG has acquired XL Soccer World, which has 13 indoor sports venues in the Northeast, bringing the total number of Sofive locations to 22 across the country.
Strategic Expansion and Growth Initiatives
In 2021, CFG’s Goals Soccer Centers (Goals) merged with Sofive, a chain of recreational indoor soccer centers in the northeastern U.S., to create a bi-coastal recreational soccer business. The merger aimed to grow and develop the business in preparation for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Following the merger, CFG expanded to nine sites and later increased its presence in Chicago, Los Angeles, and the San Francisco area, bringing the total to 13 centers.
Tapping into the Youth Soccer Opportunity
“Youth soccer is a huge opportunity,” said Jorgina Busquets, managing director of football education, recreation, and partner clubs at City Football Group. “We’re focused on the sharp end of the pyramid. We won the Premier League for Man City, but in reality, soccer is much more important and can impact communities and people.”
Catering to Diverse Communities
CFG’s Sofive is aiming to solidify its position as a leader in the recreational and youth soccer sector. The company’s facilities will be utilized by adults and youth, predominantly by Hispanic and Latino communities on the West Coast and the Midwest, and a mix of communities on the East Coast.
Expanding Educational Programs and Wearable Training Technology
Busquets’ division oversees CFG’s educational programs, including soccer schools and wearable training technology. “The U.S. is our top market for that,” she said. “We’re working now on how to increase our exposure and how we can do more things in the U.S.”
Leveraging Partnerships and Pay-to-Play Programs
CFG already has pay-to-play programs in New York with its local club New York City FC, which has plans to add new programs through Sofive. “We originally did the joint venture because we believed that there was a shortage of facilities for people to play soccer,” Busquets said. “And we saw this opportunity in the U.S., specifically in urban areas where it’s hard to find a place to play.”
via: Sportico
PHOTO BY CHARLOTTE TATTERSALL/GETTY IMAGES
