Goals Soccer Centres loses £2m on its Los Angeles venture

Goals Soccer Centres' attempt to capitalise on the David Beckham effect in Los Angeles has cost it £2m, it emerged today.

The five-a-side football group said it had written down the value of its first US venture, which cost it £4.7m when it opened in 2010, by £2m, having overpaid to develop it. "The company now has a more detailed understanding of the specific requirements in the US and if further centres are developed they will cost significantly less," it said.

Goals hopes that US punters will be inspired by the former England captain's five-year stint for LA Galaxy and flock to the centre to play "soccer".

Goals, which has 43 outlets in the UK, said group sales were up 6 per cent last year.