Running a children’s sports activity business can have numerous benefits. Physical activity is essential for children’s healthy development, and it’s well known that organised sports participation can contribute to better overall mental health. Playing sports when young also increases bone mineral density in adult women, reduces cardiovascular risk, and reduces obesity in elementary school children, according to the Mayo Clinic.

Youth activities also help develop local communities and increase brand awareness for businesses, which is why so many franchise brands are keen sponsors of neighbourhood teams.

Investing in a franchise brand comes with all the advantages of brand awareness, proven operating systems, marketing strategies and campaigns, and the expertise of other business owners in the network. There will also be all-important initial and ongoing training.

Combine all these elements, and buying a children’s sports or fitness franchise makes sense.

You can choose between lower level investment mobile businesses, or commit to a bigger spend for a facility-based swim school or play facility.

Here are some options to consider.

9 children’s sport franchises to review

Little Kickers is the largest provider of preschool soccer classes worldwide, operating in 33 countries. Investment starts at $20,000. As the name suggests, preschool kids are the target market for this business, which blends development skills with footbal fundamentals in a fun learning environment.

Starting at $25,000 investment, Sport Star Academy offers a whole host of different sports for kids, with franchisees choosing which activity to specialise in.

Think football, volleyball, tennis, cricket, AFL and basketball as some of the options.

Soccajoeys also focuses on football, with classes in four age groups from toddler to 11 year olds and has been trading for more than 12 years.

Ready Steady Go Kids is a multi-sport business with 193 locations around the country, teaching the basics of 10 sports while improving gross motor skills, confidence and colour and number recognition.

Gecko Sports offers multi-sport options as specialised primary school children classes, including after school and holidays, birthday parties, school programs and community events.

Gymbaroo Kinderoo takes parents and very young children on a neuro-developmental journey, with classes from birth and crawling through to eight years of age. The Aussie business has been operating for more than 35 years.

Some brands are delivering important life skills, such as swimming. The Queensland-based Fish n Flips Swim School uses play to teach children to swim.

The more established Jump! Swim Schools chain is part of a bigger fitness and wellness organisation, Belgravia Kids. Also part of this group is the Ninja Parc concept, which offers mini, compact and full size obstacle course play centres.