Oxygen Freejumping has announced a new five-site deal with 5-a-side football operator Lucozade Powerleague which it says will make it the largest trampoline park operator in the UK.

The business – set up by ex-ukactive CEO David Stalker and LA fitness founder Fred Turok – launched its debut site in London in July, with a second location opened in Southampton last month. The new deal – which will see trampoline parks open alongside Lucozade Powerleague offerings in Derby, Wigan, Blackburn, North Shields and Trafford Park by the end of summer 2016 – will take Oxygen Freejumping’s portfolio to seven sites as it bids to become the dominant player in the UK’s fledgling trampoline park market.

“The sector is extremely competitive as trampolining grows in popularity,” said Rob Howarth of JLL, who acted for Oxygen on the new deal.

“Competition for sites is similar to the early growth of the budget health and fitness market circa five years ago. But just as we saw back then, one or two operators are emerging streaks ahead of the pack and will gain the biggest share of the market.”

The five new sites range from 30,000-35,000sq ft and are receiving a combined capital investment of £7.5m. Most of the units have been acquired as a sub-let from DW Sports on a 15-year lease and the combined rent on the five sites represents an annual investment of £1.2m.

Stalker said Oxygen Freejumping is actively seeking further locations and currently has two more sites in the hands of solicitors as the company bids to crank up growth.

“The five Powerleague sites provide us with greater scope to expand the brand and to bring our blend of freejumping, running, fitness and fun to five new areas of the country,” said Stalker.

“We work with schools, gymnastics clubs and with James Bond villain and freerunning pioneer Sébastien Foucan. However our parks are truly for everyone. Freejumping is easier to do but impossible to master and it always brings a smile to your face no matter how old you are.”

To read an in-depth feature on Oxygen Freejumping – from the September edition of Health Club Management magazine, click here.