We do love to see our former franchise in the spotlight stars do well. Which is why we were pleased to see that A-Star Sports, the award-winning multi-sports specialist, is stretching its reach even further, announcing this week that it is merging with Sports Xtra, the children’s physical activity provider.
Both companies share a vision and have complementary experience so the merger makes perfect sense. A-Star Sports was founded in 2011 and listed in the Startups 100 for three consecutive years – rising 66 places to number 27. Sports Xtra was founded by Gareth Lippiatt in 2002. It developed into a franchise in 2008, subsequently acquiring another business as it built a national footprint of over 400 coaches across the UK. Together, the managing director of Sports Xtra, Rob Oyston, and co-founders of A-Star Sports, Gary and Sharon Bassett, will form the new Senior Management Team to take both brands forward.
Both brands will work under the parent company of Sports Xtra (Franchising) Ltd with a core product range of popular children’s physical activity ‘Xperiences’ and the fully developmental A-Star Sports multi-sports programme. For children aged three – 12 years, the product range will be delivered through weekly classes, after school clubs, holiday clubs and parties.
“With our joint portfolio appealing directly to families, there is a lot of scope to work with other high-profile brands to inspire and develop new, innovative ways to engage children,” says Gary Bassett. “The aspiration to continually motivate and support young children to be the best they can be physically, emotionally and socially through high-quality coaching and a commitment to exceptional customer service remains core to our business.”
“Our biggest strength is in our shared vision to provide children with the most positive and fun experience. The merger enables us to build on this at a time that couldn’t be more poignant for children’s physical activity and sport. With a joint network of 40+ franchise territories and a growing support team, this is an exciting opportunity to reach out more widely to families with our unique products.”
Franchise partners will certainly benefit from two very strong brands, a wide product range, award-winning teams and more. So what are you waiting for?”
