Goals Soccer Centres has announced that it is ready to take advantage of "opportunities" presented by this year's World Cup after reporting a 10 per cent increase in sales during 2009.

Compared with 2008, the operator of 34 five-a-side soccer centres across the UK has seen pre-tax profits increase by 7 per cent and revealed that it is on target to open a further seven facilities in 2010. The group has also confirmed that its first US centre is scheduled to open at South Gate Park in Los Angeles by the end of May ahead of the start of this summer's World Cup.

Goals Soccer Centres confirmed that January's snowfall had delayed post-Christmas trading by around three weeks, but said sales had continued to grow despite the wintry weather. Keith Rogers, the company's managing director, said: "This has been another solid performance from Goals, increasing both sales and profits during a time of consumer uncertainty and unexpected weather conditions. "This year's World Cup offers us some great opportunities and we are already witnessing an increased interest in corporate events."