Franchising details
Overview and Business Model
didi rugby operates a hybrid franchise model, combining franchised units with company-led initiatives to deliver engaging and active sports programs for young children. Established in 2017, the company started with weekly rugby classes and rapidly expanded to include multiple sports under the didi sports brand, such as basketball, dodgeball, and cricket.
The franchise model supports a range of business ambitions, from full-time family businesses covering multiple postcodes to part-time operators running one or two areas, all unified by a commitment to promoting physical activity among children.
Franchisee Support and Training
Franchisees receive comprehensive onboarding and ongoing support, including detailed manuals, one-on-one business planning, and operational guidance. Training covers the use of a proprietary booking, payment, and CRM system integrated with communication platforms like Zoom and Mailchimp.
Ongoing support includes biannual reviews, webinars, newsletters, and active participation in an engaged franchisee community facilitated by Facebook Workplace, ensuring continuous improvement and peer collaboration.
Market Position and Growth Plans
didi rugby targets the childcare and children’s activity market within the UK, focusing on early years physical development aligned with the Early Years Foundation Stage requirements. The network of 22 franchisees serves diverse communities, helping children transition into local sports clubs.
The company plans measured geographic expansion, balancing growth with capacity to maintain high standards and effective franchisee support through its dedicated headquarter team.
Training and support
Comprehensive support includes a franchisee manual, detailed operational policies, one-to-one business planning and strategy development, system orientation for booking and CRM platforms, as well as marketing guidance. Ongoing assistance features regular review meetings, webinars (both HQ-led and franchisee-led), newsletters, and active communication channels such as Facebook Workplace to encourage continuous improvement and community sharing.
