The new 64-page first edition, edited by FourFourTwo’s global editor-in-chief David Hall, was rolled out attached to the January edition of the parent title. The 80,000-copy run was also distributed at the Westfield Stratford shopping centre in London, Manchester United’s Old Trafford home ground and the National Football Musem in Manchester.

Global brand director at Twickenham-based Haymarket Andy Jackson said he hoped the new title would be able to build off the resources of its adult-marketed originator.

“FourFourTwo gives us access to major figures in the football world, as well as a strong pre-built audience to build off for Goal’s readership,” said Jackson. “The grown-up readers will likely have children following their parents into a love of football so this gives them an opportunity to read a magazine made for them.

“Kids now understand the intricacies of the game a lot more because of the Fifa games, so we wanted to build a brand that has the access and expertise they want, without talking down to them.”

Haymarket group director Alastair Lewis described new print launches as a “rare commodity” and attributed Goal!’s launch to “high-quality research and analysis”.

Goal!’s first run was printed by Wyndeham Southernprint in Poole, part of Walstead Group, on its Manroland and Heidelberg web presses and saddle-stitched on a Muller Martini Tempo.

Flint Group inks and a Druckfarben coating were applied to Tom & Otto 150gsm gloss stock for the cover, with UPM Cote 60gsm gloss stock used for the inside pages – all sized at 300x210mm.

The success of the pilot run will determine whether Haymarket moves forward with the title. It is expected to have a cover price of around £3.