Kids Soccer and Youth Sports Franchises Under $60K: A Cost Comparison
The youth sports franchise market has several options for entrepreneurs looking to start a kids fitness business with a total investment under $60,000. Here’s how the major players compare based on publicly available Franchise Disclosure Document data.
Investment Comparison Table
| Franchise | Franchise Fee | Total Investment | Royalty | Sport Focus | Ages |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| i9 Sports | $24,900 | $35,000 – $45,000 | Contact for details | Multi-sport leagues | 3-17 |
| Soccer Shots | Up to $29,500 | $31,742 – $39,000 | 7% | Soccer | 2-8 |
| Skyhawks | Under $35,000 | Under $40,000 | Contact for details | Multi-sport camps | 4-12 |
| Little Lions Club | $32,500 | $43,500 – $55,700 | 9% | Soccer | 2-5+ |
| Lil’ Kickers | $25,000 | $40,050 – $64,490 | 9% | Soccer | 18mo-12 |
| Soccer Stars | $49,500 | $70,350 – $102,250 | Contact for details | Soccer | 1-12+ |
Sources: FDD data via FranchiseGator.com, FranchiseHelp.com, FranchiseGrade.com, WolfOfFranchises.com, VettedBiz.com, and individual franchise websites. Investment ranges may vary — always request the current FDD directly from each franchise.
Business Model Comparison
| Franchise | Model | Facility Required | Founded | Franchising Since |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| i9 Sports | League-based (parks, schools, rec centers) | No | 2003 | 2003 |
| Soccer Shots | School/community-based coaching | No | 1997 | 2005 |
| Skyhawks | Camp/clinic-based | No | 1979 | Contact for details |
| Little Lions Club | School partnership (preschool/elementary) | No | 2023 | 2025 |
| Lil’ Kickers | Facility-based classes + community | Some locations | 1999 | 2008 |
| Soccer Stars | Facility + community-based | Some locations | 2000s | Contact for details |
What to Consider When Choosing
Total Investment vs. Ongoing Costs
A lower franchise fee doesn’t always mean a lower total cost of ownership. Compare royalty rates, marketing fund contributions, and required ongoing fees across the full term of the agreement.
Territory Availability
Established franchises like Soccer Shots (280+ territories since 2005) may have limited availability in desirable markets. Newer franchises like Little Lions Club (franchising since 2026) have wider territory availability, which can be an advantage for franchisees who want first-mover positioning in their market.
Mobile vs. Facility-Based
Fully mobile franchises (i9 Sports, Soccer Shots, Little Lions Club, Skyhawks) have lower overhead since there’s no facility lease. Lil’ Kickers and Soccer Stars may require some facility investment depending on the territory and model.
Age Range and Curriculum
Consider which age group you want to serve. Little Lions Club focuses specifically on preschool ages (2-5+). Soccer Shots covers 2-8. i9 Sports covers a wide range (3-17) with multi-sport leagues. Your target market should match the franchise’s core demographic.
Next Steps
Always request the Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD) directly from any franchise you’re considering. The FDD contains the complete and current financial details, obligations, and legal terms. The data in this comparison is sourced from public FDD summaries and franchise directory listings and may not reflect the most current figures.
Interested in Little Lions Club? Visit our franchise opportunity page or contact us at opportunities@littlelionsfranchise.com.
FAQ
What is the most affordable kids soccer franchise?
Based on publicly available FDD data, Soccer Shots has the cheapest total investment range at $31,742-$39,000. i9 Sports (multi-sport) starts at $35,000. Little Lions Club ranges from $43,500-$55,700.
Are kids sports franchises profitable?
Profitability varies by franchise, territory, and operator. Review Item 19 of each franchise’s FDD for financial performance representations. Little Lions Club’s corporate operation generated $372,000 across 38 schools in 2025.
