The world of sports is always evolving, giving way to emerging trends. While traditional team and individual sports remain popular, interests are pivoting towards youth sports and fitness. If you’re seeking to invest in a burgeoning industry, sports opportunities catering to kids are experiencing a boom in the U.S. Youth sports are valued at $19.2 billion with more than 54% of kids aged 6-17 years old participating in sports programs each year. Eager to know which ventures are worth your time and money? Here’s a look at the latest trends, helping you uncover which sports businesses are winning the race among young athletes.
Youth Sports Trends
If you’re thinking about starting a sports business, there are many opportunities to choose from. Keep in mind you want to find something that aligns with your interests and goals.
1. eSports centers and gaming leagues: Let’s face it; not every child dreams of swinging a bat or sprinting across a field. eSports, or competitive video gaming, is rapidly gaining ground. Local eSports centers are cropping up in neighborhoods, offering children a space to cultivate their gaming skills, engage in tournaments, and socialize. These centers serve dual purposes: fostering teamwork and strategic thinking and catering to a digital-native generation. With lucrative tournaments and sponsorships becoming increasingly prevalent, investing in an eSports center or league is a timely venture.
2. Youth pickleball: Pickleball in general is witnessing a significant surge in popularity. As the traditionally senior-favored sport extends its appeal to a younger demographic, now all ages recognize the potential for this sport to instill physical fitness, teamwork, and sportsmanship in players. Not only does pickleball engage children in a fun, dynamic sport, but it also presents opportunities for family bonding and community involvement. With dedicated tournaments, events, and clinics designed for junior players, the trend of youth pickleball is carving a niche for itself, promising a vibrant future for the sport.
3. Adventure and obstacle courses: Blending the love for the outdoors, physical activity, and a touch of challenge– adventure and obstacle courses are the new rage. They’re not your typical monkey bars and swings. Think of ninja-warrior style setups or obstacle courses reminiscent of TV shows. They provide kids with a full-body workout, improving agility, strength, and balance. The thrill of overcoming challenges is a magnet for children, making these courses a profitable investment opportunity.
4. Wellness and yoga studios for kids: In an era where mindfulness and mental well-being are so important, the younger generation isn’t being left behind. Yoga studios tailored for kids offer sessions that blend fun with relaxation techniques, catering to the modern child’s needs. It’s not just about the poses; these classes incorporate storytelling, games, and music, making it an enjoyable learning experience. Recognizing the need for holistic development, parents are more inclined to enroll their children in such programs. Thus, there’s potential for robust growth in this sector.
5. Franchise ownership with Skyhawks Sports Academy: Now, if you’re looking for a sports business opportunity that outlives passing trends and has a 40-year history of success, consider franchise ownership with Skyhawks Sports Academy. We don’t just offer sports programs; we deliver comprehensive developmental experiences for kids. Skyhawks is the country’s leader in providing a safe, fun, and skill-based sports experience for kids. Best of all, as a franchise owner, you don’t need to start a sports business from scratch. Our tested and proven model allows you to enjoy small business ownership with the benefits of franchising like training, on-going support, marketing assistance, a network of fellow franchisees, and up-to-date information about the youth sports industry.
The Benefits of Franchising with Skyhawks
Skyhawks franchisees have the ability to offer up to 11 different sports across a variety of programs including traditional summer camps, leagues, after-school programs, STEM Sports®, clinics and classes providing a variety of revenue streams throughout the whole year. We offer camps, after-school programs, classes and leagues for 4- to- 12- year- old’s as well as our SuperTots sports academy with classes and enrichment programs for kids aged 18- months to 5- years- old. With such a diverse range of ages and options, spanning from traditional sports like basketball and baseball to niche ones like flag football or golf, our franchisees have a broader clientele base, ensuring steady business throughout the year.
Additionally, Skyhawks’ reputation is top-notch. With decades of experience, we’ve perfected our teaching methodologies, striking the right balance between training, fun, and character development. While we believe sports skills are integral, Skyhawks places an equal emphasis on life skills. We understand that sports can be a powerful tool in molding young minds, teaching them about teamwork, respect, responsibility, and sportsmanship. As a franchise owner, you’re making a genuine difference in children’s lives.
From a financial standpoint, if you’re looking for one of the most profitable sports franchises, we have three levels of investment starting as low as $15,000 for our initial franchise fee allowing you to see a return on your investment in a timely manner.
We look for entrepreneurs who want to turn their passion into their profession. If you’re in the market to open a youth sports business that provides a flexible work-life balance and the opportunity to scale your business, request franchise info. We look forward to telling you more about Skyhawks Sports!
