Five-a-side football operator Powerleague has posted a 14 per cent rise in sales as it continues with it ambitious expansion plans.

In its first set of results since it floated on AIM in May, the Paisley-based company announced pre-tax profits of £5.97m – an 83 per cent increase on last year – for the year ending 2 July.

Operating profits more than doubled to £4.3m as sales soared to £17.5m. During the period, Powerleague opened five new centres.

Claude Littner, chair, said: “We are well positioned to grow both organically and through the development of new five-a-side centres.

The FIFA World Cup in 2006 will draw even greater attention to the sport and increase the popularity of our business.” Details: www.powerleague.co.uk