If you have been toying with the idea of starting a business but struggling to land on the right concept, the sports and leisure sector might just be your answer. More people are playing sports, spending on experiences, and looking for new ways to stay active than at any point in recent memory.
If you have been toying with the idea of starting a business but struggling to land on the right concept, the sports and leisure sector might just be your answer. More people are playing sports, spending on experiences, and looking for new ways to stay active than at any point in recent memory. Where there is growing demand, there are opportunities for switched-on entrepreneurs to fill the gap in a niche market. Here are five sports-based ideas that are thriving right now.
1. Padel court hire and coaching
This fast-paced blend of tennis and squash has exploded in the UK. According to the LTA,
860,000 people played padel in 2025, up from just 15,000 in 2019, with over 10 million Britons expressing interest in trying the sport. Demand is massively outstripping supply, with courts regularly booked out days in advance. A single outdoor court costs between £30,000 and £50,000 to build, occupancy rates at established venues regularly exceed 85%, and the business model of hourly bookings, coaching, and social leagues means the numbers add up quickly.
2. Indoor golf simulator experiences
Golf has a reputation for being expensive, time-consuming and weather-dependent. Indoor simulators flip all of that on its head, and the market is growing rapidly as a result. The global golf simulator market was valued at around $1.9 billion in 2025 and is projected to more than double by the mid-2030s. Closer to home, the UK market alone is forecast to reach approximately $300 million by 2030.
What makes this an appealing startup idea is the flexibility. You don’t need massive premises or a huge budget to get going. Entrepreneurs are converting garages, garden rooms and small commercial units into fully functioning simulator venues. A single bay setup with a quality launch monitor, impact screen, projector and hitting mat can get you started. The business model works for hourly bookings, corporate events, coaching sessions, stag and hen parties, and casual social nights out.
The good news is there is expert guidance available to help you master the technical side too. Specialist providers like
Golf Swing Systems can advise on everything from which launch monitor suits your space to full room design and installation. Their team has over 20 years of experience building bespoke setups for both private and commercial clients, stocking all the major brands including TrackMan, Foresight and SkyTrak.
3. Running and mass participation event organisation
You don’t need to be a runner yourself to see the potential here. Mass participation sports events saw an 8% uplift across the UK in 2025, with walking events up over 13% and half marathon entries jumping by 25%. Organising local events is a viable business you can start with minimal outlay. Route planning, permits, insurance and some marketing savvy are the essentials, with real earning potential coming from entry fees, sponsorship deals, and partnerships with local businesses. Start with one well-run event, build your reputation, and grow from there.
4. Sports photography
The UK photography market is valued at £1.9 billion, and sports photography is a niche within it that is consistently underserved. Every local football league, athletics club, rugby team and charity fun run needs quality photography, and most are making do with a parent’s smartphone. If you already have a decent camera and an eye for action shots, the startup costs are minimal. Build a portfolio by covering local events for free, then approach clubs and organisers with a professional offering. Revenue comes from event coverage fees, photo sales, and social media content packages. Events happen every weekend, so your pipeline of work is built into the sporting calendar.
5. Outdoor fitness bootcamps and group training
Fitness classes remain the most popular sporting activity in England by participation numbers, and outdoor group training shows no sign of slowing down. The appeal for entrepreneurs is the low barrier to entry. You don’t need a gym, a lease, or expensive equipment. A park, some resistance bands and a solid training programme are enough. The key to making this a business rather than a hobby is consistency and community. Build a regular schedule, create a sense of belonging, and offer tiered pricing with pay-as-you-go and monthly options. Many successful operators started with a handful of friends and grew through word-of-mouth alone.
Getting started
Whatever idea catches your eye, the fundamentals remain the same. Do your research, understand your local market, know your numbers, and make sure you are properly registered with
HMRC. The sports and leisure sector is creating real opportunities for those willing to move quickly and think creatively. If any of these ideas have sparked something, the best next step is the simplest one: start planning.
Guest writer
