Goals Soccer Centres scored higher sales and profits for 2012 as the company kicked a challenging economic and fiscal climate during the year.

The operator of soccer centres in the UK and US, posted annual sales of £32.5m, up 7.0% from £30m the previous year.

Profit before exceptional items and tax grew 3.0% to £39.5m while earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation (EBITDA) climbed 3.0% to £14.2m.

During the period the company tackled competition from the London Olympics, the Jubilee and Euros 2012.

A record year of rain in the UK also had an impact on results.

Nevertheless, the group achieved strong results from its operations, successfully opening its first modular build centre at Chester and signing a new brand partnership with talkSPORT, a UK radio station for national sports coverage and commentary. The station saw more than 3.5m people tune in to listen.

Managing Director Keith Rogers said Goals has kicked off a great start to the year and is confident of significant developments in the company and its brands.

‘Goals Soccer Centres has established itself as the leading small sided football operator in the UK having grown capacity by over 300% since flotation in 2004 to a national network of 43 Football Association accredited sites,’ he said.

‘The management is now taking advantage of its scale and leveraging maximum value from its current estate through partnerships with established UK brands including talkSPORT. Combined with a new dedicated online social media strategy, Goals aims to further drive pitch utilisation and broaden the target audience.’

RD