Risk Score
Pending analysis
Investment Range
$56,600 - $396,500
Franchise Fee
$19,500
Total US Locations
43
Business Summary
SOCCER POST operates retail stores that offer nationally advertised, name brand soccer equipment, footwear, apparel, accessories, and related products and services. Elite Sports Enterprises, Inc. also authorizes, or permits, the stores to offer services related to soccer and soccer activities, which may include field rental, field programming (like camps and training), and printing and customization of soccer and non-soccer apparel. The business sells these products and services to the general public from its store premises and at approved off-premises promotional events. SOCCER POST also offers a conversion franchise option for existing retail soccer specialty stores.
Corporate History
Elite Sports Enterprises, Inc. was incorporated in New Jersey on September 19, 2001. Its predecessor, Soccer Post International Franchise Corporation (SPIFC), offered franchises for SOCCER POST retail stores from July 1991 until September 2001. Elite Sports Enterprises, Inc. purchased the rights to the "SOCCER POST" trademark and the franchise system from SPIFC in September 2001. Elite Sports Enterprises, Inc. also previously offered franchises under the 'Upper 90' brand name after acquiring the common law rights in 2021, but stopped offering Upper 90 franchises that same year, with all former Upper 90 locations now operating under the SOCCER POST brand.
Financial Overview
Investment Range
$56,600 - $396,500
Franchise Fee (Low)
$19,500
Franchise Fee (High)
$29,500
Royalty %
5%
Marketing %
3%
Equipment Costs (Low)
$15,000
Equipment Costs (High)
$40,000
Working Capital
$52,500
Audited Financials
Yes
Offers Financing
No
Audit Opinion
Going concern qualification
Financial Health Notes
The audited financial statements for Elite Sports Enterprises, Inc. indicate that the company has suffered recurring losses from operations and has a net capital deficiency. These factors raise substantial doubt about the company's ability to continue as a going concern, as highlighted in the independent auditor's report and elaborated in Note 3 of the financial statements.
Financing Details
Elite Sports Enterprises, Inc. does not offer any direct or indirect financing to franchisees. The franchisor also does not guarantee any notes, leases, or other financial obligations for franchisees. Franchisees are responsible for securing their own funding through external sources.
Performance Metrics
Total US Locations
43
Franchised Units
24
Corporate Units
19
Avg Square Footage
3,750
Franchising Since
1991
Legal & Compliance Analysis
Recent Litigation
No
Bankruptcy
No
Litigation Count
1
Litigation Summary
Elite Sports Enterprises, Inc. has had one concluded legal action. In June 2015, the Commonwealth of Virginia State Corporation Commission alleged that Elite Sports Enterprises, Inc. sold two franchises in Virginia without proper state registration, violating the Virginia Retail Franchising Act. Elite Sports Enterprises, Inc. settled this matter by agreeing to pay a $20,000 penalty and $2,000 in expenses, without admitting or denying the allegations. The two Virginia franchisees involved are no longer active members of the SOCCER POST franchise system. There is no other litigation required to be disclosed for Elite Sports Enterprises, Inc.
Bankruptcy History
Elite Sports Enterprises, Inc. has no bankruptcy history to report for the franchisor or its management.
Agreement Terms
Initial Term
10 years
Renewal Term
5 years
Renewal Conditions
To renew their SOCCER POST franchise, franchisees must notify Elite Sports Enterprises, Inc. in writing between 6 and 12 months before the current term expires. They must remain in substantial compliance with their franchise agreement and any other agreements, satisfy all monetary obligations to Elite Sports Enterprises, Inc. and its affiliates, and sign a general release of claims. Franchisees must also maintain possession of their approved location (or secure a new approved site), bring their store into compliance with Elite Sports Enterprises, Inc.'s then-current specifications and standards, complete any required training or refresher programs, and pay Elite Sports Enterprises, Inc.'s then-current initial franchise fee.
Training & Support Program
Franchisor Assistance
Before opening a SOCCER POST franchise, Elite Sports Enterprises, Inc. provides an initial training program to the franchisee and designated management employees. The franchisor also reviews and approves the proposed site, provides a rendering for a prototypical store, and outlines standards and specifications for signs, equipment, inventory, products, and point-of-sale (POS) and computer systems. Elite Sports Enterprises, Inc. offers opening assistance during the first week of business and helps with grand opening planning. Ongoing support during operation includes access to advertising and promotional materials (potentially for a fee), general ongoing support as deemed appropriate, access to any ongoing training programs, and updates to the Operations Manual. If a System Brand Development Fund is established, Elite Sports Enterprises, Inc. will manage it. The franchisor also conducts periodic inspections and evaluations of products.
Initial Training Hours
39
Training Location
Corporate headquarters or online/virtual
Ongoing Support
After opening, SOCCER POST franchisees receive access to advertising and promotional materials, ongoing support as deemed appropriate by Elite Sports Enterprises, Inc., and access to any ongoing training programs. Elite Sports Enterprises, Inc. also provides updates and changes to the Operations Manual and System, and conducts periodic inspections of the location and evaluations of products. The franchisor may also provide assistance in setting maximum or minimum prices for certain retail items.
Franchise Requirements
Industry Experience Required
No
Management Experience Required
Yes
Sales Experience Required
No
Technical Skills Required
No
Operational Details
Location Type
Retail
Owner Participation
Supervisory
Territory Type
Non-Exclusive
Territory Size Requirements
Soccer Post does not grant an exclusive territory to its franchisees. Franchisees will not receive any territorial rights, and there are no radius restrictions or minimum or maximum population requirements that limit where Soccer Post can license or open another location.
Staffing Notes
SOCCER POST franchisees are solely responsible for all employment decisions, including hiring, firing, training, scheduling, compensation, and control of their employees. Franchisees must always maintain adequate staffing levels with proper uniforms and appearance. They are required to prominently post signs informing employees that their relationship is solely with the franchisee and not with Elite Sports Enterprises, Inc. or its affiliates. Similar language must be included in all employment contracts, offer letters, and employee handbooks.