Leisure operator Goals Soccer Centres (GOAL:AIM) is to expand into South Africa and the US to explore interest in its five-a-side football service.

A franchisee agreement has been granted in South Africa with plans to open several sites in Cape Town, Durban and Johannesburg before the World Cup football in 2010. It is in talks to also secure a site next door to the World Cup stadium.

In the US, Goals is negotiating with a potential joint venture with the partner owning 40%. A pilot centre will open in Los Angeles, prior to testing the five-a-side football concept across California.

Managing director Keith Rogers claimed there are 18 million people registered to play the UK-version of football - namely 'soccer' - in the US, with 2.5 million in California alone. 'Everyone always thinks soccer is a niche sport in America, but it's extremely popular, particularly in schools.'

UK operations continue to grow, with three new sites planned later in 2008. It has already added three centres this year through the acquisition of Pro5 Soccer, which has operations in Bristol and Stoke.

The company made £7 million pre-tax profit in 2007, up 42% on the previous year.

House broker KBC Peel Hunt said peer pressure enticed players to return for more games. The average £5.50 cost per person is relatively low, so players should still be able to afford the entertainment even if their household bills are rising.

Shares in Goals jumped ahead 3% intraday to 331.75p, but closed out flat at 322.75p.