Why Franchise Buyers Are Comparing Little Lions Club and Soccer Shots
If you’re researching kids soccer franchises, Soccer Shots is probably the first name you found. They’re the largest youth soccer franchise in the country with 280+ territories. But size isn’t the only factor that matters when you’re choosing a franchise — and for many buyers, it’s not even the most important one.
Here’s what prospective franchise owners should know when comparing Little Lions Club and Soccer Shots.
Founder-Led Support vs. Corporate Office
When you become a Little Lions Club franchisee, you work directly with co-founders PJ Johnston and Chris Miller. Not a regional manager. Not a corporate support ticket. The people who built the curriculum, established the school partnerships, and grew the business from zero to 38 school locations are personally involved in your success.
This is something larger franchise systems simply cannot offer. At 280+ territories, Soccer Shots operates through a corporate infrastructure — which works for many franchisees, but it’s a fundamentally different experience than having the founders on your side during your first 60 days and beyond.
Little Lions Club provides 5 days of hands-on training at headquarters, a comprehensive operations manual, 60 days of on-site startup support, and ongoing corporate sales support that directly drives growth through outreach on your behalf.
Curriculum Built on Research, Not Just Tradition
Little Lions Club’s curriculum doesn’t just teach soccer skills — it’s designed around child development principles that build character, confidence, and prosocial behavior in children ages 2-5+.
The program is backed by a completed research study conducted in partnership with William & Mary, examining how physical activity within the Little Lions program supports children’s prosocial development. This kind of research-informed curriculum development is rare in youth sports franchising — and it gives franchise owners a powerful differentiator when building school partnerships.
Soccer Shots also emphasizes character development in their programming for ages 2-8. Both brands go beyond just kicking a ball. But Little Lions Club’s investment in academic research signals a commitment to evidence-based programming that schools and parents increasingly demand.
Subscription Revenue vs. Seasonal Cycles
One of the most significant operational differences: Little Lions Club operates on a monthly subscription-driven revenue model. Families pay monthly, year-round. This creates predictable, recurring revenue for franchise owners rather than the enrollment surges and drops that come with seasonal program cycles.
Many youth sports franchises — including some of the largest brands — operate on seasonal registration models where revenue fluctuates with school calendars, weather, and enrollment windows. A subscription model smooths that out.
Territory Opportunity: First Mover vs. Established Map
Soccer Shots has been franchising since 2005. That 20-year head start means many of the most desirable territories are already taken. If you’re looking at a major metro area, there’s a good chance a Soccer Shots franchisee is already operating there.
Little Lions Club began franchising in 2026 with protected territories available across 15+ states. For franchise buyers who want first-mover advantage — the ability to establish themselves as the go-to kids soccer program in their market before competitors arrive — that window is open now.
The School Partnership Model
Both Little Lions Club and Soccer Shots deliver programs at schools and community locations without requiring a brick-and-mortar facility. This keeps overhead low and makes both franchises accessible for first-time business owners.
Little Lions Club’s model is specifically built around B2B partnerships with preschools and elementary schools. The corporate team generated $372,000 in revenue across 38 school locations in 2025 — averaging $9,809 per school with 54% year-over-year growth. Franchise owners receive corporate assistance in developing and maintaining these school relationships.
Investment Comparison
| Category | Little Lions Club | Soccer Shots |
|---|---|---|
| Franchise Fee | $32,500 | Up to $29,500 |
| Total Investment | $43,500 – $55,700 | $31,742 – $39,000 |
| Royalty Fee | 9% | 7% |
| Veteran/Educator Discount | 10% off franchise fee | Contact for details |
| Multi-Unit Option | 3 territories for $56,875 | Contact for details |
Sources: Little Lions Club FDD (2025), Soccer Shots FDD data via FranchiseGrade.com and WolfOfFranchises.com. Always request the current FDD directly from each franchise for complete details.
Soccer Shots has a lower total investment and lower royalty rate. That matters, and you should factor it into your decision. But investment cost is only one variable — the quality of support, the revenue model, the curriculum, and the territory opportunity all affect your long-term return.
Which Franchise Is Right for You?
If you want an established brand with a 20-year track record, nationwide name recognition, and the lowest upfront cost in youth soccer franchising, Soccer Shots is a strong option.
If you want founder-led support, a research-backed curriculum, subscription-based recurring revenue, corporate sales assistance, and the chance to be the first Little Lions Club franchise in your market — we’d like to talk to you.
Contact us at opportunities@littlelionsfranchise.com or call (804) 251-0348.
FAQ
Is Little Lions Club better than Soccer Shots?
“Better” depends on what you’re looking for. Soccer Shots offers a lower investment and longer track record. Little Lions Club offers founder-led support, subscription revenue, research-backed curriculum, and wide-open territory availability. Both are legitimate franchise opportunities — review each brand’s FDD to make an informed decision.
What is the cheapest kids soccer franchise?
Based on publicly available FDD data, Soccer Shots has the lowest total investment range at $31,742-$39,000. Little Lions Club ranges from $43,500-$55,700. Both are well below the average franchise investment across all industries.
