Lil' Kickers Franchise
Audited FinancialsRisk Score
Pending analysis
Investment Range
$24,450 - $64,435
Franchise Fee
$15,000
Total US Locations
91
Business Summary
Lil' Kickers Inc. offers franchises to operate children's soccer programs called "Lil' Kickers". These programs provide soccer classes, clinics, camps, parties, and other events for children aged 1 through 12. Franchisees use a system based on child development principles, incorporating specific advertising, marketing, information systems, and quality standards designed by Lil' Kickers Inc. The franchise offers two main program types: traditional Lil' Kickers Programs, which typically include an exclusive operating area, and Micro Lil' Kickers Programs, designed for smaller markets and operating without a protected territory.
Corporate History
The Lil' Kickers child development soccer program itself began in 1999 as an offering of Arena Sports, Inc. Lil' Kickers Inc. was formally established as a Washington corporation, initially as Lil' Kickers LLC, on October 29, 2007. The company later changed its name to Lil' Kickers Inc. on December 7, 2015. Lil' Kickers Inc. operated as a wholly-owned subsidiary of Arena Sports, Inc. until January 1, 2016. Arena Sports continues to own and operate company-owned Lil' Kickers Programs. Lil' Kickers Inc. began offering franchises in the United States on June 16, 2008. An affiliate, Lil' Strikers Franchising, Inc., has been offering similar Lil' Strikers franchises in Canada since 2010. Prior to franchising, Arena Sports had offered licenses for similar programs between 2002 and 2008, which have since been assigned to Lil' Kickers Inc.
Financial Overview
Investment Range
$24,450 - $64,435
Franchise Fee (Low)
$15,000
Franchise Fee (High)
$25,000
Royalty %
9%
Equipment Costs (Low)
$6,900
Equipment Costs (High)
$16,500
Working Capital
$5,000
Audited Financials
Yes
Offers Financing
No
Audit Opinion
Unqualified opinion
Financial Health Notes
Lil' Kickers Inc. receives an unqualified audit opinion, meaning its financial statements are presented fairly in all material respects. The company operates as an S-Corporation, so taxable income is reported on shareholders' returns rather than being subject to corporate income tax. Lil' Kickers Inc. is a guarantor of debt for a related party, Arena Sports, Inc., for approximately $17.4 million as of December 31, 2024. Additionally, Lil' Kickers Inc. has commitments to vendors to purchase unsold branded merchandise and equipment, totaling about $415,000 as of December 31, 2024, although management believes it is unlikely these purchases will be required.
Financing Details
Lil' Kickers Inc. does not offer any direct or indirect financing to its franchisees. Franchisees are responsible for securing their own funding for the business. Lil' Kickers Inc. also explicitly states that it does not guarantee any financial obligations made by its franchisees.
Performance Metrics
Total US Locations
91
Franchised Units
85
Corporate Units
6
Franchising Since
2008
Legal & Compliance Analysis
Recent Litigation
No
Bankruptcy
No
Litigation Summary
Lil' Kickers Inc. has no litigation to report, as Item 3 of the Franchise Disclosure Document explicitly states that no litigation is required to be disclosed for the company.
Bankruptcy History
Lil' Kickers Inc. has no bankruptcy history to report, as Item 4 of the Franchise Disclosure Document states that no bankruptcy information is required to be disclosed.
Agreement Terms
Initial Term
5 years
Renewal Term
5 years
Renewal Conditions
To renew their franchise agreement, Lil' Kickers Inc. franchisees must have fully complied with all material provisions of the Franchise Agreement, hold the right to possess an approved location for the duration of the successor term, and have satisfied all financial obligations to Lil' Kickers Inc. They must not be in default of any agreement. Franchisees are also required to sign Lil' Kickers Inc.'s then-current franchise agreement, which may contain materially different terms, and comply with any updated qualifications and training requirements. Additionally, a general release of claims against Lil' Kickers Inc. and its affiliates must be signed, unless prohibited by state law.
Training & Support Program
Franchisor Assistance
Lil' Kickers Inc. provides extensive support to its franchisees both before and after opening. Before opening, Lil' Kickers Inc. assists with site approval, designates the territory, and provides a list of required equipment and supplies, which it may also sell to the franchisee. It offers an initial training program for the Designated Manager and other representatives, though franchisees cover travel and lodging expenses. Lil' Kickers Inc. also grants access to confidential operating manuals, helps with the initial setup of program management software, and conducts initial marketing services for a fee. Any proposed advertising materials from the franchisee require prior approval. After opening, Lil' Kickers Inc. offers general advice and guidance through telephone, email, and newsletters. It provides information on supply sources and may negotiate bulk purchase rates. Marketing fees are used to purchase online ad campaigns and generate analytics reports. Franchisees receive one on-site visit from a trainer in their first year (with travel/lodging costs covered by the franchisee) and must send an employee to an annual Coordinator Training session for a fee. Additional training and consultation are available at an hourly rate. Lil' Kickers Inc. also provides system improvements and modifications to the manuals (at the franchisee's cost) and continues to sell required equipment and inventory. Franchisee locations are included in Lil' Kickers Inc.'s lists, directories, and website.
Initial Training Hours
42
Training Location
Corporate headquarters in Seattle, WA
Ongoing Support
After opening, Lil' Kickers Inc. provides ongoing support through periodic general advice and guidance via phone, email, and newsletters. It allocates marketing fees to purchase online ad campaigns and generate analytics reports for the franchisee. Franchisees are entitled to one on-site visit from a trainer during their first year of operation, although they must cover the trainer's travel and lodging expenses. Lil' Kickers Inc. offers twice-yearly Coordinator Training sessions, and franchisees are required to send one employee annually after their first year, for which an annual fee applies. Additional training, marketing, or management consultation services are available upon request at Lil' Kickers Inc.'s then-current hourly rates or other specified terms. Lil' Kickers Inc. also makes system improvements and modifications to its operating manuals available to franchisees, who are responsible for the associated costs.
Franchise Requirements
Industry Experience Required
No
Management Experience Required
No
Sales Experience Required
No
Technical Skills Required
No
Operational Details
Location Type
Hybrid
Owner Participation
Supervisory
Territory Type
Limited
Territory Size Requirements
Lil' Kickers Inc. typically defines a franchise territory as an area encompassing approximately a 10-minute driving radius around the franchisee's approved arena or facility. This radius may be reduced if other Lil' Kickers Programs are already operating nearby. For Micro Lil' Kickers Programs, the territory is non-exclusive and does not have a stated minimum size.
Staffing Notes
The franchised business must always be under the direct, full-time supervision of a Designated Manager. This Designated Manager is required to complete Lil' Kickers Inc.'s initial training program to its satisfaction before the business opens. If there is a change in Designated Manager, the new manager must complete the initial training within 120 days of their appointment, and the franchisee is responsible for associated costs. Franchisees are solely responsible for hiring and training all other employees and management staff. After the first year of operation, at least one representative, such as the Designated Manager, a program coordinator, or an owner/officer, must attend a yearly Coordinator Training for continuing education, for which there is an annual fee.