If you’re researching low-overhead franchise opportunities or exploring the best franchises under $150k, you’ve probably come across the usual suspects: coffee shops, boutique fitness studios, mobile services, cleaning franchises, and even entertainment venues.
But what if the highest-ROI, lowest-overhead franchise category wasn’t any of those?
What if the smartest franchise you could buy in 2025 was actually a kids’ soccer training business…specifically, Soccajoeys?
It sounds surprising, but youth soccer is quickly becoming one of the hidden gems in the franchising world, offering:
- Very low startup costs
- Minimal ongoing overhead
- High recurring revenue
- Strong community demand
- A simple, proven business model
This is a great low cost franchise in Australia to consider if you have any interest in youth enrichment through sports.
In this guide, we’ll go into more of the reasons why the Soccajoeys kids soccer franchise is an opportunity more investors should be paying attention to.
Why Most Investors Overlook Youth Sports Franchises
Many first-time franchise buyers assume a “real” business requires:
- A physical location
- Expensive equipment
- A large staff
- High traffic real estate
That’s why fitness, retail, food and beverage, and entertainment franchises get the bulk of the attention, though they come with high ongoing costs and higher risk.
Meanwhile, youth sports franchises like Soccajoeys stay under the radar, despite offering some of the most attractive financial fundamentals in franchising.
Related Reads:
Youth Sports: The Fastest-Growing Low-Cost Franchise Category in Australia
Before diving into Soccajoeys specifically, here’s why the category is gaining traction:
✔ Parents spend more than ever on children’s activities
Structured sports, especially for children aged 2–8, are in high demand.
✔ Soccer is the #1 introductory sport for young kids
It’s accessible, safe, and development-focused.
✔ Programs run in community venues
No long-term leases.
No expensive fit-outs.
No real estate headaches.
✔ Extremely low operational overhead
Most youth sports programs require minimal equipment and flexible staffing.
This creates a business model with strong margins. All without the complexity of a traditional franchise.
What Makes the Soccajoeys Franchise Different?
Soccajoeys is one of Australia’s leading kids soccer training franchises, designed for children aged 2.5 to 11 years. What makes it stand out is its simple, low-cost operating model and its strong brand recognition across the country.
Here’s why the Soccajoeys franchise model works so well:
1. Low Startup Costs (Compared to Traditional Franchise Models)
Fitness studios often cost $300k–$500k to open.
Food and beverage businesses can cost $400k–$1M.
Entertainment venues? Often millions.
In contrast, a Soccajoeys franchise requires a much lower investment, making it one of the best options for investors wanting to enter franchising without major financial risk.
Lower upfront costs = faster break-even.
2. Minimal Equipment, Minimal Storage, Minimal Costs
One of Soccajoeys’ greatest strengths is how little is needed to operate. Equipment typically includes:
- Balls
- Cones
- Bibs
- Early-childhood development props
All lightweight.
All inexpensive.
All portable.
This is the opposite of fitness equipment or restaurant kitchen setups, and your ongoing expenses are equally tiny.
3. No Need for a Permanent Facility
Soccajoeys programs run in existing community spaces such as:
- Local halls
- Community centres
- Indoor sports facilities
- School gyms
This means:
- No long-term leases
- No costly fit-outs
- No property maintenance
Your business remains agile and low-risk, regardless of economic conditions.
4. Simple Staffing Requirements
Unlike food or fitness businesses that require a roster of 10–30 staff, Soccajoeys typically operates with:
- 1 head coach (you or hired)
- 1–2 casual/part-time coaches
This simplicity:
- Reduces HR pressure
- Keeps wage costs predictable
- Allows smooth scheduling
This is ideal for owner-operators or semi-absentee investors.
5. High Demand and Recurring Revenue
Parents enrol children for terms or seasons. Not one-off sessions.
That means:
- Predictable recurring revenue
- High customer retention rates
- Seasonal program growth opportunities
When your customers are children, loyalty is built naturally over years, not months.
6. Scalable Business Model Across Territories
A single Soccajoeys territory can be profitable on its own, but many franchisees expand to multiple territories because the model is so easy to replicate.
The low overhead means scaling doesn’t require massive capital injections.
Financial Overview: Costs vs Revenue Potential
While exact numbers vary by territory, a kids soccer franchise like Soccajoeys offers:
✔ Low fixed costs
Your major expenses are:
- Venue hire
- Coaching staff
- Marketing
- Insurance
✔ Healthy margins
Because there are no facility leases, utilities, or equipment finance costs, the profitability percentage is usually stronger than retail or other fitness-based franchises.
✔ Faster path to break-even
Low startup and low overhead often mean break-even in a shorter timeframe compared to bricks-and-mortar franchises.
Is Soccajoeys Your Best Kept Secret?
If you’re looking for:
- A low-cost franchise
- A low-overhead business
- A meaningful community impact
- Strong margins
- A simple operational model
- And an opportunity to combine passion with profit…
Then this is the franchise category you shouldn’t be overlooking.
As a Soccajoeys Franchisee, you get comprehensive training across finance, delivery, recruitment and marketing within our induction course.
You are also allocated Head Office support staff, and ongoing marketing and lead generation to fuel your business. You will also be invited to core training events throughout the year to stay up to date, and the opportunity to either be a coach or an absentee/semi-absentee owner.
You’re also able to speak with our network of existing franchisees, and observe these franchisees in delivery.
Expected ROI for most Soccajoeys franchise owners is usually between 6 to 18 months.
Hear From Successful Soccajoeys Franchisees
See real stories from owners who’ve scaled their business, achieved strong ROI, and built thriving community programs.
Related Read: How to Start a Kids Soccer Franchise
Download The Guide to Soccajoeys Franchise Success
Ready to Explore Soccajoeys Franchise Territories?
Explore available Soccajoeys franchise territories, and take the first step toward owning a high-impact, low-overhead sports business.
Otherwise learn more about how you can get started.
Frequently Asked Questions
No. Many franchisees come from business or corporate backgrounds. Full training is provided.
Yes. Many owners start hands-on, then hire head coaches and step back to oversight only.
Absolutely. Soccer participation is growing rapidly among children aged 2–10, making demand strong and stable.
It’s always important to conduct thorough research before you sign anything. Read the terms, fine print, get to know your franchisors, what support is available to you, and make sure you look into the market and competition too.
The ACCC has resources for prospective franchises.
The Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman (ASBFEO) gives free and paid training courses for both franchises and franchisors.
You also want to ask yourself whether you want to be a coach as a franchise owner too.
Soccajoeys gives you a thorough handover: initial training, head office support staff, continued marketing support and training, and you’re able to talk to our network of existing franchises.
Got any more questions?
Read our Franchisee FAQs
We answer most common questions by our franchisees.
You also can email info@soccajoeys.com or call us on 1300 781 735 to talk more at length.
