Goals Soccer Centres teams up with Manchester City's owner for US expansion
GOALS Soccer Centres is kicking on with its expansion in North America after teaming up with Manchester City's owner.
The five-a-side operator has transferred its two California sites, with a handful of others in the pipeline, to a new joint venture with City Football Group, which also owns New York City and Melbourne City.
CFG is providing $16million for expansion and has granted a licence to the joint venture to use its brands to promote the business in North America.
This is a transformational deal to grow and strengthen the North American business
Goals chairman Nick Basing said: "This is a transformational deal to grow and strengthen the North American business.
"We believe the combination will give us significant competitive advantage when the emerging market is in its infancy."
CFG chief executive Ferran Soriano said: "We have an ambitious vision in North America to grow the sport, including our JV with Goals, ownership of New York City FC in MLS and many other initiatives.
"This initiative shows City Football Group's continuing commitment to soccer in North America.
"This partnership with an excellent and recognised operator like Goals gives us the best opportunity to succeed"