European expansion: Powerleague establishes second Dutch hub

British five-a-side football operator Powerleague has established its second facility in the Netherlands as it eyes growth outside the UK.

The new Powerleague site has been developed in Utrecht’s Sportpark Oud Zuilen – a multi-sport facility just north of the city centre.

Land has been leased by the city council, with Powerleague investing in two five-a-side pitches, changing rooms and a bar area.

In May, the company unveiled plans to launch 13 new centres in the UK, with £40m (US$52.5m, €47.2m) of investment from owner Patron Capital. The Utrecht facility is separate to that particular expansion plan.

Powerleague launched its Amsterdam operation in 2015. According to the operator the pitches are “at full capacity during peak time” with 120 league teams and “a waiting list of others wanting to join”.

Rupert Campbell, chief executive of Powerleague, said the company’s experience in Amsterdam demonstrated a “strong market for our offer in the Netherlands”.

“We’re keen to continue expanding across Europe and are currently looking at other potential sites,” he added.