Exciting times at Sport Star Academy as the kids’ sports training franchise is branching out into new arenas with the launch of Allstars Academy.

Five new non-sporting sectors deliver opportunities for franchisees to add new revenue streams to their business.

Traditionally the Sport Star Academy has trained kids in popular sports including football, basketball, tennis, cricket, and AFL. The brand extension adds programs in wellness, arts, gaming, education and STEM.

SSA marketing director Kelly Nikolakopoulos says the new sessions will boost the skills-base among children.

“Up until now, sport has been the foundation of our business. Under Sport Star Academy we have successfully built out multiple sports, expanded nationally through our franchise partners and offered Australian families opportunities for their child to participate in our programs whether it be football, footy or basketball.

“However, not every child is interested in sport and as an organisation we want to provide opportunities for children today, tomorrow and in the future.”

Kelly points out that gaming and e-sports deliver benefits for children.

“It is more than just sitting on a couch playing games, e-Sports improves problem solving, sparks creatively and has cognitive benefits,,” she says.

It is also  a booming business sector set to become a 1.4 billion industry by 2024, she adds.

The AllStars Academy business expansion will include the acquisition of existing businesses and will also allow existing franchisees to provide a holistic offering.

“Existing SSA franchise partners have recognised an opportunity to become a multi-brand business owner and see wellness such as yoga and mindfulness and gaming as complementary to their current business offering.

“Wellness has become more important than ever with anxiety levels in young children escalating due to the current Covid situation.”