FIVE-a-side centres operator Goals Soccer Centres is trialing a new modular-build design in Chester which could generate savings and cut group debt.
The group opens four new centres each year but has put development plans on hold to assess the Chester site before recommencing its expansion programme.
It said modular-built centres will “significantly” reduce costs, bringing a standard Goals development down from £2.2m to £1.5m.
They could also be brought into service within 14 weeks compared with the current 22-week timetable.
And with 40 new sites in the pipeline, the business said the reduced cost and speed will allow the company to increase rollout in the future, if appropriate.
Net bank debt currently stands at £54.4m but the company said the modular design could help reduce the overall level of debt, while enabling it to continue investing in the growth of its next generation of soccer centres through strong cash flow.
The group outlined its proposals in its interim figures today which showed profits and sales improved in the six months to June 30.
Turnover was 11% ahead at £14.7m and pre-tax profits grew by 46% to £3.98m.
Today’s results also revealed that like-for-like sales in its core football offer, which represented about 73% of total turnover, rose by 4%.
However, bar and vending (worth about 18% of total sales) saw a 4% fall; birthday parties (4%) declined by 1%; and corporate events and sponsorship (4%) saw a 16% decline.
The group currently operates 43 soccer centres, including two in Liverpool at Netherton and Speke.
It said it had achieved a “satisfactory performance” in the first half with month-on-month sales growth, apart from April.
A statement said: “We have since experienced softer than expected trading during the second half of July and through August.
“However, we fully expect a return to the trading levels seen in the first half of the year, in part aided by our ‘Get Back in the Game’ marketing campaign encouraging summer-lapsed players to get back to playing in early September.”
Managing director Keith Rogers added: “In view of the current economic climate we are satisfied with the performance of the business in the first half of this year.
“The opportunity to utilise modular build pavilions in our rollout is an important development for our business.
“The opportunity to maintain a strong rollout strategy while reducing costs and shortening build time and simultaneously reducing debt will significantly improve our business model going forward and ensure we stay at the forefront of innovation in this fast growing sector of the leisure industry.”
