Soccercity – the national chain of five-a-side football and kids’ play centres – has announced that the 2006 financial year was “disappointing”, blaming last year’s World Cup and “operational and organisational problems” in 2007.

The group saw its revenues rise just 1 per cent on last year to £2.036m, which was due to a 15 per cent reduction in income during June and July 2006, when attendances were down due to the World Cup in Germany.

Soccercity’s board initiated a strategic review in January this year, and as a result will be focusing on its business in the north of England.

Consequently, the company announced that it would be selling one of its four sites to Holyrood Leisure for £697,000.

The sale of the centre – in Fareham, Hampshire – includes the business, assets and existing contracts. Holyrood will also takeover the entire staff of the site.

The proceeds from the sale will be used to “reduce current liabilities and outstanding debts and to invest in its remaining indoor football centres, together with the development of new business at these centres”.

Management changes were also made in the finance, sales and marketing departments after the company struggled to win back customers, and a dedicated sales team introduced.

Chair Norman Molyneux said: “The board is fully aware of the improvements that need to be delivered to improve trading performance and provide a strong platform for sustained growth.

“A clear strategy and a focused management team is now in place, while following the sale of Fareham, the balance sheet will be strengthened further.”