In a significant move for the sports equipment industry, Wrexham-headquartered venture Net World Sports has completed the acquisition of the Ball Launcher training product. The deal, valued at £1 million, sees the launcher—utilised by elite football clubs including Manchester City, Manchester United, and Liverpool—integrated into Net World Sports' Forza brand, now trading as Forza Ball Launcher.
Enhancing Training Capabilities
The Ball Launcher, available in two distinct models, is a versatile tool designed for goalkeeper training, set-piece practice, and outfield drills. It boasts an impressive capacity to deliver over 200 balls per hour at speeds reaching up to 80 miles per hour, making it a favourite among top-tier football teams for rigorous and efficient training sessions.
As part of this strategic acquisition, production of the launchers has been relocated from Essex to Net World Sports' facility in Wrexham. This shift not only consolidates operations but also supports local manufacturing, reinforcing the company's commitment to its North Wales base.
Global Expansion and Infrastructure Investment
This acquisition aligns with Net World Sports' broader global expansion strategy. Last month, the company inaugurated a new 292,500 square foot warehouse and distribution centre in Ohio, USA, representing a $29 million investment. This facility has already generated 50 new jobs and is aimed at enhancing customer service by reducing prices and ensuring next-day deliveries across a growing American customer base.
Alex Loven, founder and chief executive of Net World Sports, emphasised the company's ambitious growth plans: "We are investing heavily in both our products and our global infrastructure. 2026 will be a landmark year with the launch of our new $29 million warehouse in Columbus, Ohio, alongside continued investment at our Wrexham headquarters, including new line-marking paint manufacturing and injection-moulded plastics facilities."
Strategic Vision and Supply Chain Control
Loven further highlighted the strategic benefits of the acquisition, noting: "By controlling more of our supply chain and integrating advanced AI systems, we can improve speed, quality, and customer experience while remaining highly competitive globally." This approach underscores Net World Sports' focus on innovation and efficiency in a competitive market.
Robbie Hayter, responsible for commercial, sales, and product development at Net World Sports, expressed enthusiasm about the deal: "This acquisition represents everything Forza stands for. Ball Launcher is a perfect fit for our portfolio, trusted by elite footballers and clubs and increasingly embraced across the wider training community."
Hayter also acknowledged the contributions of Daniel Judge, the inventor and former shareholder of Ball Launcher: "We're extremely grateful to Daniel Judge for creating such a strong product and for his enthusiastic support throughout the acquisition. It's exciting that we now share the ambition to take Ball Launcher to the next level together."
This acquisition not only strengthens Net World Sports' product offerings but also positions the company for increased influence in the global sports equipment market, leveraging trusted technology to serve both professional clubs and amateur training communities.
