The futsal and five's market - France

The futsal market, estimated at $323.17 million in 2021, is growing rapidly, with a forecast CAGR of 13.99% to 2027. Historically popular in South America, then introduced in European countries, futsal saw sales increase by 900% in France between 2012 and 2022. The French market is undergoing consolidation, dominated by two major players, UrbanSoccer and Le Five, who offer extensive services and digitization to maintain their competitiveness.

Growth in the global market is fuelled by increasing popularity, particularly among young players, with futsal becoming the leading school sport in France. Despite this growth, challenges include the sustainability of complex operations, with some consolidations leading to liquidations. There is strong potential for expansion in the US market, and substantial investment in infrastructure is required for new complexes. The sector is also exploring yield management to optimize occupancy rates. Female participation remains low, and efforts to develop this demographic, as well as the establishment of public partnerships, could strengthen market dynamics.

Futsal market dynamics and demand trends in France

In France, the futsal market has enjoyed a remarkable trajectory of growth and demand over the years. Since the early 2000s, it has attracted a growing number of participants, with regular players now estimated at around 3 million, and a total including occasional participants amounting to almost 5 million. Notably, against a backdrop of declining FFF membership, the futsal sector contrasts sharply, showing continued expansion. The increase in the number of futsal licensees is one of the main factors behind the rise in demand, with the number of licensees rising from 15,000 to around 27,388, representing an average annual growth rate of around 11%. Projections point to continued growth, with the number of licensees expected to approach 30,000 in 2021 and increase further to around 38,328 in 2023.

This growing interest is further reinforced by the sport's popularity in schools, with around 200,000 UNSS members, underlining the sport's growing appeal to young people. The demographic profile of futsal participants is also changing. Initially, men between the ages of 20 and 35 formed the core of the clientele, but there has been a noticeable diversification. Although women constitute a minority, with less than 10% of licensees, this segment is gaining in visibility and more inclusive offerings are being developed to meet the needs of this emerging audience and young people in particular. For example, initiatives such as the Zidane Five Club illustrate efforts to involve young players through soccer academies.

The market has responded to this increased demand by offering a more personalized and diversified customer experience. Futsal complexes have expanded their services, integrating offerings such as bars and restaurants, sports equipment stores and other leisure activities, which today account for around 20% of an indoor complex's revenue. Partnerships between private complexes and institutions such as the FFF are also in play, which has pledged a major investment of around 18.4 million euros between 2022 and 2025 to support the development of futsal.

Although the French market is dense, with around 250 five-a-side centers - twice as many as in England - the FFF foresees potential for further growth. The number of 5-a-side players is expected to double to 4 million by 2025, suggesting fertile ground ahead.

Key players shaping the French futsal landscape

In France's dynamic and fast-growing futsal market, a handful of pioneering companies have carved out significant niches for themselves, leveraging early entry, strategic mergers and diversification of their offerings to position themselves at the forefront of the industry.

• UrbanSoccer: UrbanSoccer, whose beginnings date back to 2005, has established itself as a market leader, particularly after the strategic acquisition of Soccer 5 in 2014. This transaction not only broadened its reach, but also enriched its futsal expertise. UrbanSoccer operates an extensive network of centers across the country, with a strong presence in the densely populated Île-de-France region. A focus on innovation has enhanced the player experience, both on and off the pitch.
• Le Five: Direct competitor and other leading chain of futsal complexes, Le Five strengthened its presence in the market by acquiring Le Temple du Foot and Soccer Park. With a mix of wholly-owned and franchised centers, Le Five maintains a significant footprint throughout France. Its strategy relies on the recognition of personalities from the world of soccer to attract a loyal following and offer customers an experience different from that of its competitors.
• Z5: Entering the market with the backing of renowned soccer icons, Z5 uses the notoriety of its founders to attract customers. Beyond traditional futsal services, Z5 has integrated unique offerings such as access to an osteopath and tailor-made inter-company competition formats, setting itself apart from larger competitors such as UrbanSoccer and Le Five.
• MonClub 0: As an emerging challenger brand, MonClub 0 combines futsal with multi-faceted approaches aimed at a diverse customer base. Although it doesn't have the extensive networks of UrbanSoccer or Le Five, MonClub 0's local appeal and personalized touch have helped it win over customers.
• Convi'Foot: Although not as high-profile as the other brands, Convi'Foot operates on a franchise model that has contributed to the expansion of futsal infrastructures throughout France. Its emphasis on community-level access to the sport is testament to the brand's commitment to grassroots development.
• Independents: Making up around 25% of the French market, independent futsal centers are the dark horses of the industry. They cater to a local, budget-conscious clientele, and can offer less service than the big players.

Inforamtion

• Number of pages : 30 pages
• Format : Digital and PDF versions
• Last update : 10/01/2024

Summary and extracts

List of charts

• Projected growth in global futsal sales
• Number of centers and sites in France
• Trends in the size of the French futsal market
• Members by gender
• Number of futsal members
• Are you interested in sports in general?
• In the last 12 months, have you practised any physical or sporting activity, even if only occasionally or during your vacations?
• When people talk to you about "sports or physical activities", which dimensions interest you most?
• Sports participation rates by gender
• Sports participation rates by age group
• Sports participation rates by socio-professional class
• What do you think of your local authority's policy and efforts to develop and encourage sport?
• Generally speaking, how would you rate the state of the facilities in your commune?
• In your community, what facilities would you like to have (more of) for your sporting activities?