Preview: figures awaiting verification
Some numbers on this page haven't been checked against their sources yet.
Kids Sports and Enrichment Business
A no-storefront business that runs weekly sports or STEM classes for children at preschools, schools, parks and rec centers, taught by you or by part-time coaches you hire.
Figures last verified October 31, 2026
$227 – $1,042*Pending verificationSourcesCalifornia Secretary of State — LLC forms and fees (Form LLC-1)(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026California DOJ — Applicant Fingerprint Processing Fees (fee sheet dated August 17, 2012, subject to change)(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026Quill — Xcello Sports size 3 soccer balls, 12-pack (XS-SB-S3-12-ASST)(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026Insureon — cost of insurance for fitness instructors (sports and fitness)(opens in a new tab)Tier 2 · Industry report · Accessed October 31, 2026Last verified October 31, 2026Computed from 6 startup budget line items: lean plan low to professional plan high. Some lines are not sourced yet and are excluded.
Startup cost
Coming soon
Time to first revenue
Moderate
Difficulty
Moderate
Physical demand
Yes
Can run solo
School-year classes plus summer camps; outdoor classes depend on weather
Seasonality
* Startup cost excludes budget lines we haven't sourced yet.
Risk Meter
Eight factors from this guide's own data, each scored 1 (lowest risk) to 5 (highest). Every score shows why.
Overall risk
Moderate
2.5 out of 5
Average of 6 of 8 factors, weighted equally. 1 is the lowest risk and 5 the highest. It measures risk, not how much you'll earn, and it isn't a prediction. How we score risk.
Money at risk
Not scoredAt least $1,042
4 startup lines aren't sourced yet, so the real total is higher. We'll score this once the budget is complete.
Time to earn it back
Not scoredNot scored yet
Some startup or operating cost lines aren't sourced yet, so a payback time would look shorter than it really is.
Franchise closure rate
1 / 52.7% a yearPending verificationSourcesSoccer Shots 2026 FDD (Minnesota CARDS), issued April 1, 2026(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026i9 Sports 2026 FDD (Minnesota CARDS), issued March 26, 2026(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026Amazing Athletes 2026 FDD (Minnesota CARDS), issued April 8, 2026(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026Snapology 2026 FDD (Minnesota CARDS), issued April 30, 2026(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026Last verified October 31, 2026Closures = terminations + non-renewals + outlets that ceased operations, divided by franchised outlets at the start of the year.
Average of 4 brands: Soccer Shots 1.3% (2025); i9 Sports (youth leagues) 2.3% (2025); Amazing Athletes 3.2% (2025); Snapology (STEM, mobile) 4.2% (2025). Our calculation from each FDD's Item 20.
Loan default rate
3 / 56.6% vs 7.2% for all industriesPending verificationSourceSBA 7(a) FOIA loan-level data, files as of September 30, 2026 (our count by NAICS code)(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026Last verified October 31, 2026Charged off = the SBA wrote off the unpaid balance after the borrower stopped paying. An industry code can include businesses unlike this one.
110 of 1,665 SBA 7(a) loans to Sports and Recreation Instruction (NAICS 611620), approved FY2010–2019, were charged off. Our count from the SBA's loan-level data; 196 loans were still open, so the final rate may be slightly higher.
Demand trend
2 / 5Growing fasterPending verificationSourcesU.S. Census Bureau — County Business Patterns 2019, U.S. file (cbp19us)(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026U.S. Census Bureau — County Business Patterns 2023, U.S. file (cbp23us)(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026Last verified October 31, 2026
Sports and recreation instruction (NAICS 611620) employer establishments +16.2% (18,001 to 20,916) vs +5.1% for all industries, 2019–2023.
Licensing and rules
3 / 5Moderate
No state license, but California's youth service organization rules (AB 506) likely apply, with background checks and training for staff, and schools set their own vendor requirements (see Licensing).
Customer concentration
3 / 5A few large customers or referral partners
Classes run through a few schools, preschools and rec departments that host them; losing one can cut many enrollments.
Physical demand
3 / 5Moderate
From the guide's at-a-glance rating; see the risks section for details.
Franchise vs. Independent
Same type of business. Two very different paths.
| Franchise (4 brands) | Independent | |
|---|---|---|
| Franchise fee | $36,500 – $49,500Pending verificationSourcesSoccer Shots 2026 FDD (Minnesota CARDS), issued April 1, 2026(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026i9 Sports 2026 FDD (Minnesota CARDS), issued March 26, 2026(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026Amazing Athletes 2026 FDD (Minnesota CARDS), issued April 8, 2026(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026Snapology 2026 FDD (Minnesota CARDS), issued April 30, 2026(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026Last verified October 31, 2026Range across 4 franchise brands. | $0 |
| Initial investment | $36,500 – $105,600Pending verificationSourcesSoccer Shots 2026 FDD (Minnesota CARDS), issued April 1, 2026(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026i9 Sports 2026 FDD (Minnesota CARDS), issued March 26, 2026(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026Amazing Athletes 2026 FDD (Minnesota CARDS), issued April 8, 2026(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026Snapology 2026 FDD (Minnesota CARDS), issued April 30, 2026(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026Last verified October 31, 2026FDD Item 7 estimated initial investment (includes the franchise fee), across 4 brands. | $227 – $1,042*Pending verificationSourcesCalifornia Secretary of State — LLC forms and fees (Form LLC-1)(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026California DOJ — Applicant Fingerprint Processing Fees (fee sheet dated August 17, 2012, subject to change)(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026Quill — Xcello Sports size 3 soccer balls, 12-pack (XS-SB-S3-12-ASST)(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026Insureon — cost of insurance for fitness instructors (sports and fitness)(opens in a new tab)Tier 2 · Industry report · Accessed October 31, 2026Last verified October 31, 2026Computed from 6 startup budget line items: lean plan low to professional plan high. Some lines are not sourced yet and are excluded. |
| Ongoing royalties | 7% – 8% of revenuePending verificationSourcesSoccer Shots 2026 FDD (Minnesota CARDS), issued April 1, 2026(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026i9 Sports 2026 FDD (Minnesota CARDS), issued March 26, 2026(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026Amazing Athletes 2026 FDD (Minnesota CARDS), issued April 8, 2026(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026Snapology 2026 FDD (Minnesota CARDS), issued April 30, 2026(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026Last verified October 31, 2026Percent of gross revenue, across 4 brands. | None |
| Operating costs (5 years) | $12,450Pending verificationSourcesInsureon — cost of insurance for fitness instructors (sports and fitness)(opens in a new tab)Tier 2 · Industry report · Accessed October 31, 2026Insuranceopedia — How much does sport and fitness business insurance cost? (updated July 27, 2026)(opens in a new tab)Tier 3 · Guide or blog · Accessed October 31, 2026California Franchise Tax Board — 2025 Instructions for Form FTB 3522, LLC Tax Voucher(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026Jackrabbit Class — pricing(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026Last verified October 31, 2026Five years of the operating costs we have sourced so far (insurance, software, fees), charged to both paths. | $12,450 |
| Brand, training, and support | Included | You build your own |
| 5-year total cost | $79,320 – $210,572 | $12,677 – $13,492* |
Franchise fee
- Franchise (4 brands)
- $36,500 – $49,500Pending verificationSourcesSoccer Shots 2026 FDD (Minnesota CARDS), issued April 1, 2026(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026i9 Sports 2026 FDD (Minnesota CARDS), issued March 26, 2026(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026Amazing Athletes 2026 FDD (Minnesota CARDS), issued April 8, 2026(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026Snapology 2026 FDD (Minnesota CARDS), issued April 30, 2026(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026Last verified October 31, 2026Range across 4 franchise brands.
- Independent
- $0
Initial investment
- Franchise (4 brands)
- $36,500 – $105,600Pending verificationSourcesSoccer Shots 2026 FDD (Minnesota CARDS), issued April 1, 2026(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026i9 Sports 2026 FDD (Minnesota CARDS), issued March 26, 2026(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026Amazing Athletes 2026 FDD (Minnesota CARDS), issued April 8, 2026(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026Snapology 2026 FDD (Minnesota CARDS), issued April 30, 2026(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026Last verified October 31, 2026FDD Item 7 estimated initial investment (includes the franchise fee), across 4 brands.
- Independent
- $227 – $1,042*Pending verificationSourcesCalifornia Secretary of State — LLC forms and fees (Form LLC-1)(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026California DOJ — Applicant Fingerprint Processing Fees (fee sheet dated August 17, 2012, subject to change)(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026Quill — Xcello Sports size 3 soccer balls, 12-pack (XS-SB-S3-12-ASST)(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026Insureon — cost of insurance for fitness instructors (sports and fitness)(opens in a new tab)Tier 2 · Industry report · Accessed October 31, 2026Last verified October 31, 2026Computed from 6 startup budget line items: lean plan low to professional plan high. Some lines are not sourced yet and are excluded.
Ongoing royalties
- Franchise (4 brands)
- 7% – 8% of revenuePending verificationSourcesSoccer Shots 2026 FDD (Minnesota CARDS), issued April 1, 2026(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026i9 Sports 2026 FDD (Minnesota CARDS), issued March 26, 2026(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026Amazing Athletes 2026 FDD (Minnesota CARDS), issued April 8, 2026(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026Snapology 2026 FDD (Minnesota CARDS), issued April 30, 2026(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026Last verified October 31, 2026Percent of gross revenue, across 4 brands.
- Independent
- None
Operating costs (5 years)
- Franchise (4 brands)
- $12,450Pending verificationSourcesInsureon — cost of insurance for fitness instructors (sports and fitness)(opens in a new tab)Tier 2 · Industry report · Accessed October 31, 2026Insuranceopedia — How much does sport and fitness business insurance cost? (updated July 27, 2026)(opens in a new tab)Tier 3 · Guide or blog · Accessed October 31, 2026California Franchise Tax Board — 2025 Instructions for Form FTB 3522, LLC Tax Voucher(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026Jackrabbit Class — pricing(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026Last verified October 31, 2026Five years of the operating costs we have sourced so far (insurance, software, fees), charged to both paths.
- Independent
- $12,450
Brand, training, and support
- Franchise (4 brands)
- Included
- Independent
- You build your own
5-year total cost
- Franchise (4 brands)
- $79,320 – $210,572
- Independent
- $12,677 – $13,492*
5-year totals assume $59,800–$186,160 in yearly revenue (our forecast presets at full volume), the same sourced operating costs (insurance, software, fees) on both paths, and both the lean and professional independent plans. Franchise investment figures come from each brand's disclosure (FDD Item 7) and already include the franchise fee. * Excludes independent startup lines we haven't sourced yet. Adjust the assumptions.
What franchisees report taking in
From each brand's own disclosure (FDD Item 19), copied exactly. These are gross sales before royalties and costs, not profit, and not a promise of what you will earn.
Soccer Shots
Item 19 reports 2025 gross sales by number of territories owned, per territory and for early-stage owners, and also gives average expenses and net income from unaudited franchisee reports.
- Average 2025 gross sales, single-territory franchisees (57 franchisees open at least 9 months of 2025; gross sales, not profit)$222,830.36 a yearPending verificationSourceSoccer Shots 2026 FDD (Minnesota CARDS), issued April 1, 2026(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026Last verified October 31, 202618 of 57 (31.6%) exceeded this average. The FDD text says 58 single-territory franchisees were included, but Schedules 1 and 5 count 57. FDD Item 19, Schedules 1–7: 2025 Gross Sales from unaudited franchisee reports, before royalties and all expenses — not profit. Covers franchisees open at least 9 months of 2025; 6 franchisees (6 territories) excluded. Some outlets have sold this amount; your results may differ.
- Median 2025 gross sales, single-territory franchisees (same 57 franchisees; gross sales, not profit)$189,389.95 a yearPending verificationSourceSoccer Shots 2026 FDD (Minnesota CARDS), issued April 1, 2026(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026Last verified October 31, 2026Range $25,099.54 to $627,101.52. FDD Item 19, Schedules 1–7: 2025 Gross Sales from unaudited franchisee reports, before royalties and all expenses — not profit. Covers franchisees open at least 9 months of 2025; 6 franchisees (6 territories) excluded. Some outlets have sold this amount; your results may differ.
- Median 2025 gross sales per territory, all reporting franchisees (149 franchisees; each territory about 500,000 people; gross sales, not profit)$221,755.90 a yearPending verificationSourceSoccer Shots 2026 FDD (Minnesota CARDS), issued April 1, 2026(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026Last verified October 31, 2026Schedule 6. Older franchises with large territories were split into 500,000-person territories for this table. FDD Item 19, Schedules 1–7: 2025 Gross Sales from unaudited franchisee reports, before royalties and all expenses — not profit. Covers franchisees open at least 9 months of 2025; 6 franchisees (6 territories) excluded. Some outlets have sold this amount; your results may differ.
- Average 2025 gross sales, early-stage single-territory franchisees open under 23 months (3 franchisees; gross sales, not profit)$75,140.35 a yearPending verificationSourceSoccer Shots 2026 FDD (Minnesota CARDS), issued April 1, 2026(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026Last verified October 31, 2026Schedule 7. Only 3 franchisees; median $61,484.68. FDD Item 19, Schedules 1–7: 2025 Gross Sales from unaudited franchisee reports, before royalties and all expenses — not profit. Covers franchisees open at least 9 months of 2025; 6 franchisees (6 territories) excluded. Some outlets have sold this amount; your results may differ.
i9 Sports (youth leagues)
Item 19 reports 2025 registration revenue (average, median, halves and by number of venues) for 213 units, plus an income statement for 129 units for October 2024–September 2025.
- Average 2025 registration revenue per unit (213 units operating all of 2025; registration sales, not profit)$458,817 a yearPending verificationSourcei9 Sports 2026 FDD (Minnesota CARDS), issued March 26, 2026(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026Last verified October 31, 202681 of 213 (38%) met or exceeded this average. Averaged 3.8 venues and 4.1 sports per unit. FDD Item 19, Part I: 'Registration Revenue' only (excludes sponsorships, merchandise and concessions), January–December 2025, before royalties and all expenses — not profit. Covers 213 of 294 units that ran programs all four seasons of 2025; 81 newer or partial-year units excluded. Some units have earned this amount; your results may differ.
- Median 2025 registration revenue per unit (same 213 units; not profit)$359,546 a yearPending verificationSourcei9 Sports 2026 FDD (Minnesota CARDS), issued March 26, 2026(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026Last verified October 31, 2026FDD Item 19, Part I: 'Registration Revenue' only (excludes sponsorships, merchandise and concessions), January–December 2025, before royalties and all expenses — not profit. Covers 213 of 294 units that ran programs all four seasons of 2025; 81 newer or partial-year units excluded. Some units have earned this amount; your results may differ.
- Average 2025 registration revenue, bottom half of units (106 units; not profit)$195,257 a yearPending verificationSourcei9 Sports 2026 FDD (Minnesota CARDS), issued March 26, 2026(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026Last verified October 31, 2026Bottom-half units averaged 2.3 venues. FDD Item 19, Part I: 'Registration Revenue' only (excludes sponsorships, merchandise and concessions), January–December 2025, before royalties and all expenses — not profit. Covers 213 of 294 units that ran programs all four seasons of 2025; 81 newer or partial-year units excluded. Some units have earned this amount; your results may differ.
- Average 2025 registration revenue, units running 1 venue (21 units; not profit)$149,590 a yearPending verificationSourcei9 Sports 2026 FDD (Minnesota CARDS), issued March 26, 2026(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026Last verified October 31, 2026Chart 2. Median $144,310; range $44,151 to $313,087. FDD Item 19, Part I: 'Registration Revenue' only (excludes sponsorships, merchandise and concessions), January–December 2025, before royalties and all expenses — not profit. Covers 213 of 294 units that ran programs all four seasons of 2025; 81 newer or partial-year units excluded. Some units have earned this amount; your results may differ.
Amazing Athletes
Item 19 reports 2025 gross revenue, gross profit and net income after royalties per franchise owner (many own several territories), by quartile and for one-unit owners, plus two affiliate-owned outlets.
- Average 2025 gross revenue per franchise owner, all reporting owners (62 owners, many with several territories; gross sales, not profit)$257,984 a yearPending verificationSourceAmazing Athletes 2026 FDD (Minnesota CARDS), issued April 8, 2026(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026Last verified October 31, 2026Table 4. 25 of 62 owners (40.3%) exceeded this average. FDD Item 19: 2025 Gross Revenues from franchisees' monthly royalty reports, per owner (not per territory), before royalties, wages and all expenses — not profit. Only owners open all of 2025 under the same owner. The FDD's text says 83 franchisees and 133 units reported, but its owner tables list 62 owners; ask the franchisor which is right. Some outlets have sold these amounts; your results may differ.
- Median 2025 gross revenue per franchise owner (same 62 owners; not profit)$214,219 a yearPending verificationSourceAmazing Athletes 2026 FDD (Minnesota CARDS), issued April 8, 2026(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026Last verified October 31, 2026Table 4. Range $39,822 to $813,085. FDD Item 19: 2025 Gross Revenues from franchisees' monthly royalty reports, per owner (not per territory), before royalties, wages and all expenses — not profit. Only owners open all of 2025 under the same owner. The FDD's text says 83 franchisees and 133 units reported, but its owner tables list 62 owners; ask the franchisor which is right. Some outlets have sold these amounts; your results may differ.
- Average 2025 gross revenue, top half of owners with one territory (20 owners; not profit)$257,089 a yearPending verificationSourceAmazing Athletes 2026 FDD (Minnesota CARDS), issued April 8, 2026(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026Last verified October 31, 2026Table 11. Median $214,219. FDD Item 19: 2025 Gross Revenues from franchisees' monthly royalty reports, per owner (not per territory), before royalties, wages and all expenses — not profit. Only owners open all of 2025 under the same owner. The FDD's text says 83 franchisees and 133 units reported, but its owner tables list 62 owners; ask the franchisor which is right. Some outlets have sold these amounts; your results may differ.
- Average 2025 gross revenue, bottom half of owners with one territory (20 owners; not profit)$115,044 a yearPending verificationSourceAmazing Athletes 2026 FDD (Minnesota CARDS), issued April 8, 2026(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026Last verified October 31, 2026Table 11. Median $107,135; 17 of these 20 owners had been in the system under 5 years. FDD Item 19: 2025 Gross Revenues from franchisees' monthly royalty reports, per owner (not per territory), before royalties, wages and all expenses — not profit. Only owners open all of 2025 under the same owner. The FDD's text says 83 franchisees and 133 units reported, but its owner tables list 62 owners; ask the franchisor which is right. Some outlets have sold these amounts; your results may differ.
Snapology (STEM, mobile)
Item 19 reports 2025 gross sales by quartile for 53 full-time mobile franchises, and for a 29-unit subset with the territory size now offered (50,000 children or fewer).
- Average 2025 gross sales, full-time mobile franchises with territories of 50,000 children or fewer (29 units, the size now offered; not profit)$77,917 a yearPending verificationSourceSnapology 2026 FDD (Minnesota CARDS), issued April 30, 2026(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026Last verified October 31, 202611 of 29 (37.9%) were above this average. FDD Item 19: 2025 Gross Sales of full-time mobile franchises open all of 2025, from unaudited franchisee reports, before royalties and all expenses — not profit. 76 of 129 units were excluded, including 35 part-time or non-reporting units, 22 centers and 9 not open all year. Some outlets have sold this amount; your results may differ.
- Median 2025 gross sales, same 29 units (not profit)$51,447 a yearPending verificationSourceSnapology 2026 FDD (Minnesota CARDS), issued April 30, 2026(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026Last verified October 31, 2026Range $2,289 to $602,333. FDD Item 19: 2025 Gross Sales of full-time mobile franchises open all of 2025, from unaudited franchisee reports, before royalties and all expenses — not profit. 76 of 129 units were excluded, including 35 part-time or non-reporting units, 22 centers and 9 not open all year. Some outlets have sold this amount; your results may differ.
- Average 2025 gross sales, top quarter of all full-time mobile franchises (13 units; not profit)$279,820 a yearPending verificationSourceSnapology 2026 FDD (Minnesota CARDS), issued April 30, 2026(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026Last verified October 31, 2026These units' territories averaged 132,714 children, far larger than the 50,000 now offered. FDD Item 19: 2025 Gross Sales of full-time mobile franchises open all of 2025, from unaudited franchisee reports, before royalties and all expenses — not profit. 76 of 129 units were excluded, including 35 part-time or non-reporting units, 22 centers and 9 not open all year. Some outlets have sold this amount; your results may differ.
- Average 2025 gross sales, bottom quarter of all full-time mobile franchises (14 units; not profit)$20,842 a yearPending verificationSourceSnapology 2026 FDD (Minnesota CARDS), issued April 30, 2026(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026Last verified October 31, 2026FDD Item 19: 2025 Gross Sales of full-time mobile franchises open all of 2025, from unaudited franchisee reports, before royalties and all expenses — not profit. 76 of 129 units were excluded, including 35 part-time or non-reporting units, 22 centers and 9 not open all year. Some outlets have sold this amount; your results may differ.
What a franchise does give you
Franchises cost more, but the fees buy real things. Weigh them honestly.
- Long-running preschool soccer curriculum (franchising since 2005)
- 4–5 day initial training for two people
- Online enrollment system and website provided through the software fee
- Run from home with no facility lease in the FDD estimate
- Large, growing league brand (264 to 294 franchised units in 2025)
- Franchisor call center handles registrations and parent questions
- Mandatory group insurance program covers players, coaches and abuse claims
- Lower-upfront 5-year option with a monthly franchise fee
- Multi-sport curriculum for ages 18 months to 12 years, taught at preschools and schools
- Starter equipment kit, uniforms and curriculum videos supplied
- In-territory business coaching visits for first-time owners
- Discounts for veterans and educators
- STEM curriculum (LEGO building, robotics, coding, animation) rather than sports
- Initial training for you and one more manager with no training fee
- Initial inventory and grand-opening marketing handled through the franchisor
- Part of a larger kids-brand group (Unleashed Brands)
Going independent means
- You keep 100% of what you earn after costs — no royalties.
- You build your own brand, systems, and customer base.
- You need more self-reliance, especially in the first year.
Startup Budget
One-time costs to launch, from cited sources. Totals are added up from the lines below.
| Item | Low | Mid | High |
|---|---|---|---|
| LLC filing (California Articles of Organization, Form LLC-1)Pending verificationSourceCalifornia Secretary of State — LLC forms and fees (Form LLC-1)(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026Last verified October 31, 2026Secretary of State filing fee for Form LLC-1. | $70 | $70 | $70 |
| City business license or business tax registration | Data coming soon | ||
| Your own fingerprint background check through California DOJ (Live Scan)Pending verificationSourceCalifornia DOJ — Applicant Fingerprint Processing Fees (fee sheet dated August 17, 2012, subject to change)(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026Last verified October 31, 2026DOJ 'Employment — General' fees: $32 state plus $17 federal. The fee sheet is dated 2012 and says fees are subject to change. | $49 | $49 | $49 |
| Starter class equipment (example: a 12-pack of size 3 soccer balls with pump)Pending verificationSourceQuill — Xcello Sports size 3 soccer balls, 12-pack (XS-SB-S3-12-ASST)(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026Last verified October 31, 2026Quill's listed price for Xcello Sports size 3 balls, 12-pack, including a hand pump. | $108 | $108 | $108 |
| Simple website with class schedule and online sign-up | Data coming soon | ||
| Marketing launch (flyers for preschools, rec-guide listings, local parent groups) | Data coming soon | ||
| Total (sourced lines only) | $227 | $227 | $227 |
Share of mid estimate
- LLC filing (California Articles of Organization, Form LLC-1)31%
- Your own fingerprint background check through California DOJ (Live Scan)22%
- Starter class equipment (example: a 12-pack of size 3 soccer balls with pump)47%
Budget spreadsheet
Every line with its sources, included in the complete kit.
The total leaves out 3 lines we haven't sourced yet. We don't guess.
24-Month Forecast
An example to plan with. Every assumption is yours to change.
This is an estimate, not a prediction
A 'job' here is one child enrolling in a multi-week class session. Ticket is the low end of the Long Beach 6-week class fees. New enrollments per week, ramp-up, the seasonality curve and the 35% for coach pay, venue shares, shirts, payment fees and equipment are our assumptions, not operator data. Change any assumption to match your market. Your results will differ.
- Break-even
- Month 1
- Year-1 revenue
- $35,373
- Year-2 profit
- $36,374
Show monthly table
| Month | Jobs | Revenue | Costs | Profit | Cumulative cash |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 (Mar) | 9.5 | $1,096 | $592 | $505 | $278 |
| 2 (Apr) | 13.0 | $1,495 | $731 | $764 | $1,041 |
| 3 (May) | 16.5 | $1,894 | $871 | $1,023 | $2,064 |
| 4 (Jun) | 18.1 | $2,084 | $937 | $1,147 | $3,211 |
| 5 (Jul) | 21.3 | $2,446 | $1,064 | $1,382 | $4,593 |
| 6 (Aug) | 17.1 | $1,966 | $896 | $1,070 | $5,663 |
| 7 (Sep) | 27.6 | $3,171 | $1,318 | $1,853 | $7,516 |
| 8 (Oct) | 33.8 | $3,887 | $1,568 | $2,319 | $9,835 |
| 9 (Nov) | 33.9 | $3,896 | $1,572 | $2,324 | $12,159 |
| 10 (Dec) | 33.3 | $3,833 | $1,549 | $2,283 | $14,442 |
| 11 (Jan) | 40.2 | $4,621 | $1,825 | $2,796 | $17,238 |
| 12 (Feb) | 43.3 | $4,983 | $1,952 | $3,031 | $20,269 |
| 13 (Mar) | 47.7 | $5,482 | $2,127 | $3,355 | $23,624 |
| 14 (Apr) | 47.7 | $5,482 | $2,127 | $3,355 | $26,979 |
| 15 (May) | 47.7 | $5,482 | $2,127 | $3,355 | $30,334 |
| 16 (Jun) | 43.3 | $4,983 | $1,952 | $3,031 | $33,366 |
| 17 (Jul) | 43.3 | $4,983 | $1,952 | $3,031 | $36,397 |
| 18 (Aug) | 30.3 | $3,488 | $1,429 | $2,059 | $38,456 |
| 19 (Sep) | 43.3 | $4,983 | $1,952 | $3,031 | $41,487 |
| 20 (Oct) | 47.7 | $5,482 | $2,127 | $3,355 | $44,842 |
| 21 (Nov) | 43.3 | $4,983 | $1,952 | $3,031 | $47,874 |
| 22 (Dec) | 39.0 | $4,485 | $1,778 | $2,707 | $50,581 |
| 23 (Jan) | 43.3 | $4,983 | $1,952 | $3,031 | $53,612 |
| 24 (Feb) | 43.3 | $4,983 | $1,952 | $3,031 | $56,643 |
Pricing
What customers typically pay, from large-sample cost data.
What customers pay
- Weekly 40-minute sports class, 6-week session (city rec program, Long Beach, summer 2026)$115 – $119Pending verificationSourceCity of Long Beach Parks, Recreation and Marine — Summer 2026 youth classes (rec guide)(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026Last verified October 31, 2026Skyhawks basketball, soccer and multi-sport classes for ages 6–12, once a week for 6 weeks, as listed in the city's rec guide. Price per child for the whole session. One city's listings; the city may keep a share of the fee.
- Weekly 45-minute class or mini-league, 5–7 week session (Long Beach, summer 2026)$149 – $183Pending verificationSourceCity of Long Beach Parks, Recreation and Marine — Summer 2026 youth classes (rec guide)(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026Last verified October 31, 2026TriFytt 'Biddy' soccer, tee ball and multi-sport (5 Saturdays, $149) and Kidz Love Soccer (7 weekly classes, $183), ages 5–7. Price per child for the whole session.
- Weekly 1-hour sports class, 8 Tuesdays (Orangevale rec district, fall 2026)$179 – $182Pending verificationSourceOrangevale Recreation and Park District (OVparks) — Amazing Athletes class listing(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026Last verified October 31, 2026Amazing Athletes, ages 5–8, Tuesdays 9/1–10/20: $179 resident, $182 non-resident. The page doesn't state the year; the 2026 copyright and dates suggest fall 2026. Price per child for the whole session.
- Half-day sports camp, one week (Long Beach, summer 2026)$179 – $255Pending verificationSourceCity of Long Beach Parks, Recreation and Marine — Summer 2026 youth classes (rec guide)(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026Last verified October 31, 20263-hour mornings, Monday–Friday, ages 4–12 (basketball, soccer, tee ball, multi-sport camps from several providers). Price per child per week.
- Half-day LEGO or robotics camp, one week (Long Beach, summer 2026)$200 – $220Pending verificationSourceCity of Long Beach Parks, Recreation and Marine — Summer 2026 youth classes (rec guide)(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026Last verified October 31, 2026Play-Well TEKnologies LEGO engineering and LEGO Spike Prime robotics camps, 3 hours a day, Monday–Friday, ages 5–12. Price per child per week.
What similar businesses take in
Context only, not a promise of what you will earn. Government figures cover every business in the industry; guide figures are rougher. Tap the source icon to see which is which. These are revenue, before costs.
- Average yearly receipts per sports and recreation instruction firm with fewer than 5 employees (NAICS 611620, U.S. employer firms, 2022)$240,504 a yearPending verificationSourceU.S. Census Bureau — Statistics of U.S. Businesses 2022, U.S. and states, 6-digit NAICS (us_state_6digitnaics_2022)(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026Last verified October 31, 2026Calculated by us from the Census table: $2,671,042,000 in receipts across 11,106 firms, rounded to the nearest dollar. Receipts are gross revenue, not profit. NAICS 611620 also includes facility-based instruction such as swim, gymnastics and martial arts schools, not only mobile programs. Shown for context only — not a promise or prediction of your results.
- Average yearly receipts per sports and recreation instruction firm with fewer than 5 employees in California (NAICS 611620, employer firms, 2022)$261,977 a yearPending verificationSourceU.S. Census Bureau — Statistics of U.S. Businesses 2022, U.S. and states, 6-digit NAICS (us_state_6digitnaics_2022)(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026Last verified October 31, 2026Calculated by us from the Census table: $390,607,000 in receipts across 1,491 California firms, rounded to the nearest dollar. Receipts are gross revenue, not profit. NAICS 611620 also includes facility-based schools. Shown for context only — not a promise or prediction of your results.
- Average yearly receipts per nonemployer (solo, no payroll) educational services business (NAICS 611, all educational services, U.S., 2024)$18,746 a yearPending verificationSourceU.S. Census Bureau — Nonemployer Statistics 2024, U.S. file (nonemp24us)(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026Last verified October 31, 2026Calculated by us from the Census file: $17,334,332,000 in receipts across 924,679 nonemployer businesses, rounded to the nearest dollar. The nonemployer file reports this sector only at the broad NAICS 611 level, so it covers all solo instructors (sports, music, tutoring, driving and more). Many are part-time. Receipts are gross revenue, not profit. Shown for context only — not a promise or prediction of your results.
Key Risks and How to Manage Them
Coaching small children is physical work
If you teach the classes yourself, you will be bending, kneeling, jogging and carrying equipment bags outdoors, often in heat, several sessions a day. At 55 that is manageable for many people but tiring over a full week.
How to manage it: Plan to coach only at first, then hire coaches and move into the lower-effort work: booking schools and parks, scheduling, training coaches and checking on classes.
A safety or abuse allegation can end the business
Any injury or complaint involving a child is serious. Schools, districts and insurers expect background checks, mandated-reporter training and abuse and molestation coverage.
How to manage it: Live Scan every adult, complete mandated-reporter training, keep two adults present where possible, write a conduct and reporting policy, and carry abuse and molestation coverage.
Finding and keeping part-time coaches
Classes run in short after-school and weekend slots, so coach jobs are part-time and turnover is common. A no-show coach means a cancelled class and unhappy parents.
How to manage it: Recruit from college and high-school sports programs and retired teachers, keep a backup coach list, and pay on time. Budget for payroll taxes and workers' comp, since coaches are usually employees in California.
Your business depends on other people's venues
Preschools, school districts and rec departments decide whether you can teach on their sites. They may take a share of fees, require high insurance limits and named-insured certificates, or switch providers.
How to manage it: Spread classes across many sites, keep certificates of insurance current, and treat directors and rec staff as your main customers.
Competing with national franchise brands
Soccer Shots, i9 Sports, Amazing Athletes, Skyhawks and STEM brands already sell to preschools and rec departments in most California metros.
How to manage it: Compete on reliability, local relationships and a niche (an age group, a sport, or a neighborhood the big brands underserve), and price close to local rec-guide rates.
School calendars and weather
Enrollment follows the school year, dips around holidays and late summer, and outdoor classes get cancelled for rain or heat.
How to manage it: Add summer camps, have indoor backup sites or make-up dates, and keep a cash reserve from busy seasons.
Licensing by State
Requirements vary by state and local jurisdiction.
More states are coming.
A general guide only. Rules change and vary by city and county — confirm with your local government before you start.
Youth service organization rules (AB 506, B&P Code §18975) — likely apply, including to for-profit programs
Pending verificationPending verificationSourcesCalifornia Business and Professions Code §18975 (youth service organizations; added by AB 506, amended by AB 2669), text via public.law(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026California Penal Code §11165.7 (who is a mandated reporter), text via public.law(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026MandatedReporterCA.com — California mandated reporter training (in partnership with CDSS)(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026Last verified October 31, 2026The law covers any 'youth service organization', defined as an organization whose administrators or employees are mandated reporters under Penal Code §11165.7(a)(7), which names administrators and employees of a 'public or private youth center, youth recreation program, or youth organization.' Nothing in either section limits this to nonprofits, so a for-profit sports or STEM class company is covered if it counts as a private youth recreation program or youth organization; we found no exemption for for-profit companies, but also no official ruling naming them. If covered, you must: have administrators, employees and regular volunteers complete child-abuse identification and reporting training (the state's online mandated-reporter training qualifies); fingerprint-check them under Penal Code §11105.3; have policies for reporting suspected abuse outside the organization; and, as far as possible, have two mandated reporters present when staff are with children. Insurers may ask for proof of compliance before writing liability coverage.
Verify with the California Legislative Information — B&P Code §18975(opens in a new tab)Fingerprint background checks (Live Scan and CalVECHS)
Pending verificationPending verificationSourcesCalifornia DOJ — CalVECHS Frequently Asked Questions(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026California DOJ — Applicant Fingerprint Processing Fees (fee sheet dated August 17, 2012, subject to change)(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026Last verified October 31, 2026California DOJ's CalVECHS program is open to any business, 'for profit' or not, that provides instruction, supervision or recreation to children, and returns state and federal criminal history for employees and volunteers who sign a waiver each year. Agencies already fingerprinting under Penal Code §11105.3 must enroll in CalVECHS by the end of 2026. DOJ's fee sheet lists $32 state plus $17 federal per employee, and $32 plus $15 per volunteer for a for-profit youth organization, plus the Live Scan operator's fee.
Verify with the California DOJ — Fingerprint background checks(opens in a new tab)School and district vendor insurance requirements
Pending verificationPending verificationSourceIrvine Unified School District — Insurance Requirements (revised September 2016)(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026Last verified October 31, 2026Districts set their own vendor rules. For example, Irvine Unified requires $1,000,000 per occurrence ($2,000,000 aggregate) general liability plus a $3,000,000 umbrella, sexual abuse and molestation coverage at the same levels, the district named as additional insured with the endorsement attached to the certificate, and, if it asks, workers' comp, auto and professional liability. Ask each district or preschool for its requirements before you quote insurance.
Verify with the Irvine Unified School District — Insurance Requirements(opens in a new tab)City or county business license
Pending verificationWe found no state license for running sports or STEM classes. Most California cities require a business license or business tax registration, including for home-based businesses, and some rec departments ask for it when you apply to teach. Check with the city where your business is based.
Verify with the CalGold (California permit finder)(opens in a new tab)Coaches are usually employees (AB 5)
Pending verificationPending verificationSourceCalifornia DIR — Independent contractor versus employee (AB 5)(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026Last verified October 31, 2026California presumes workers are employees unless all three parts of the ABC test are met; part B requires the work to be outside your usual business, which coaching for a coaching company is not. DIR lists 'youth sports coaching' among services that can use the older Borello test only when the coach is referred to clients through a referral agency that meets extra conditions. Plan on payroll and workers' comp.
Verify with the California DIR — Independent contractor versus employee(opens in a new tab)LLC filing and annual tax
Pending verificationPending verificationSourcesCalifornia Secretary of State — LLC forms and fees (Form LLC-1)(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026California Franchise Tax Board — 2025 Instructions for Form FTB 3522, LLC Tax Voucher(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026Last verified October 31, 2026Forming an LLC costs $70 with the Secretary of State, and every California LLC owes an $800 annual tax to the Franchise Tax Board.
Verify with the California Franchise Tax Board(opens in a new tab)
The Playbook
A step-by-step guide from setup to growth.
Phase 1
Setup
- Choose your program (one sport, multi-sport or STEM) and age group
- Form your business and get a city business license
- Get your own Live Scan and complete mandated-reporter training
- Buy general liability with abuse and molestation coverage
- Write a child-safety and reporting policy and a class curriculum
- Set your session prices against local rec-guide rates
Phase 2
Preschool, school and rec department partnerships
Included in the complete kit
Phase 3
Teaching your first classes
Included in the complete kit
Phase 4
Marketing to parents
Included in the complete kit
Phase 5
Hiring and training coaches
Included in the complete kit
Phase 6
Operations and child safety
Included in the complete kit
Phase 7
Growth: camps, leagues and more sites
Included in the complete kit
Suppliers and Tools
Vendors independent operators use.
No supplier pays to be listed. If we ever earn a referral fee from a link, it will say “Affiliate link” right next to it.
Class equipment
Balls, cones, pinnies, small goals and bags for youth classes.
Class registration and billing
Online sign-up, rosters, payments and parent messaging for kids' classes.
Background checks and mandated-reporter training
Live Scan fingerprinting and California's online mandated-reporter training.
The Kit Is Coming
Everything on this page is free. The downloadable kit (playbook, spreadsheets, templates) is in the works.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this a franchise?
No. The Open Franchise is not a franchise and does not sell franchises. You start and own your kids' program yourself, with no franchise fee, royalties, or territory rules. We sell guides and kits; that's all.
Does California's youth service organization law (AB 506) apply to a for-profit company?
Very likely. The law covers organizations whose staff are mandated reporters as employees or administrators of a 'public or private' youth recreation program or youth organization, and it doesn't exclude for-profit businesses. We found no official ruling either way, so plan to comply: background checks, mandated-reporter training, reporting policies and two-adult supervision where possible.
Do I have to coach the classes myself?
Not forever. Many owners coach at first to learn the work and save money, then hire part-time coaches and spend their time booking sites, scheduling and training. That second role is much less physical but adds payroll, workers' comp and hiring work.
Can my coaches be independent contractors?
Usually not in California. Under the AB 5 test, people who coach for a coaching company are generally employees. Check the DIR page linked above and get professional advice before hiring.
Are these numbers guaranteed?
No. Every cost and price comes from a cited source, shown as a range where possible, with the date we last checked it. Franchise revenue figures are gross sales, not profit. Your costs and results will depend on your market and choices.
Figures last verified October 31, 2026. Every number links to its source. See all sources for this page.