Clearwater advises on the sale of Goals Soccer Centres

Transaction

Goals Soccer Centres on its sale from Inflexion

Sell-side

Undisclosed

Role

Adviser to Goals Soccer Centre on its sale from Inflexion

Sector

Consumer

Region

United Kingdom

Clearwater has advised shareholders on the sale of Goals Soccer Centres (Goals), the UK’s leading operator of small-sided football centres, back to the founding management team.

Goals operates more than 400 5-aside and 7-aside pitches across 44 centres in the UK, promoting health, fitness, friendly competition and community spirit.

The exit comes after Inflexion’s investment allowed the founders to return to the business they had set up over 30 years earlier. A strong brand and loyal customer base, with an increasing consumer focus on health and wellbeing, helped the business to perform strongly post the challenges of COVID-19.

The partnership with Inflexion has enabled us to return to the business we love and take Goals to the next level. The business is well placed for future growth and to continue to offer a healthy way of socialising for people across the UK.
Barry and Ian McDermott, Founders, Goals

Management’s achievements are a testament to their passion for the business. Goals benefits from strong customer loyalty and demand and we have every confidence that the business will continue to flourish in the hands of the ambitious and capable founders.
Simon Turner, Managing Partner, Inflexion

This transaction marks the end of a hugely successful partnership between Inflexion and the founding team. The business has been transformed through strong leadership from management and continued investment, enhancing customer offering and experience. We wish management and the business all the best for the future.
James Malcharek, Director, Clearwater