Franchise Information, advice and news.

We are frequently getting told that the dreaded global warming is taking control and the world is becoming a hotter place, meaning longer summers and warmer days, yet also the threat of impending doom from rising sea levels.

However, while most of us wait for Armageddon and enjoy the sunshine outdoors, playing sports in the open air, there is still the fact that the weather may turn at the most unexpected times and games of all kinds can be ruined by snow, wind and rain, with players left in tears and championships lost.

As such, indoor facilities are a must for sports enthusiasts, allowing a plethora of games and activities to take place in the relative warmth and comfort of an indoor arena, regardless of the outside conditions and temperatures.

From netball and soccer to athletics and tennis, indoor centres are fast becoming an essential part of the sports enthusiast's life, capitalising on the adaptable nature of the sports centre and, often, its location. The centres are now regularly springing up in inner city and suburban areas where green space is restricted, allowing sports which would otherwise need huge areas of space, such as cricket, to take on a new form in an indoor variation.

One US developer, Doug Miller, has seen his indoor sports complex chain take off in the New York area, where adult and youth leagues for several sports are able to take place in all weathers under the huge domes.

One expert told the Business Review that "kids don't play in backyards anymore" with more organised activities meaning recreation now comes through sports practice sessions and fitness regimes. Indoor centres allow young players to take sports more seriously, said the expert, with those wanting to stay in shape and develop their skills throughout the course of an entire year able to do so with modern facilities close at hand.

However, setting up an indoor sports centre for the novice businessperson is a tricky prospect. The enterprise requires a great deal of capital and funding, although an initial investment with a franchise is often the easiest route.

Franchising can alleviate many costs and essential skills, such as training, marketing, professional support and can provide an established corporate image, although initial investments are also not cheap.

Running an indoor sports centre also requires any potential franchisee to have a vested interest in the sports world, but also a great deal of business savvy, interpersonal skills and the ability to run a large business with several members of staff.

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