US football training academy scores O2 site for UK launch

A US football academy is set to have its UK debut at a landmark London site after securing space for its ‘competitive socialising’ concept.

TOCA Social has secured a 30,000 sq ft site at London’s O2 arena for its first permanent leisure site in the UK.

TOCA, which started as a football training academy in the US, has been running mobile training programs across London, using its own products and training techniques drawing on the “small ball” philosophy.

The O2 site will feature digital football training studios and gaming experiences as well as bars and a restaurant, and marks the start of the firm’s planned expansion across the UK.

George Oppenheim, head of property at TOCA Football UK, commented: “We are really excited to be bringing our competitive socialising concept to the UK.

“Our recent funding and the appointment of a strong board means that we are well positioned to land and grow, and to help football players to hone their skills and improve their game while socialising with their friends.”

UK Law firm TLT advised TOCA on its UK debut. George explained: “TLT were recommended to us as experts in this field, and their advice has been excellent from day one.

“They really do bring to bear their specialist knowledge and work quickly and effectively to adapt to our timescales.

“They have supported us with a wide range of services and we are now in a great position to start acquiring other sites.”

Phil Moran, partner at TLT, added: “It is great to be a part of something so significant in the leisure, food and drink sector right now.

“We’ve been supporting clients in the competitive socialising sub-sector for a number of years, and it’s fantastic how many great ideas have taken off. I’m sure this will continue to be a growing trend when we all get back to normal business.”