As the economy slides into a pretty severe recession, it is clear that a number of families face financial challenges that were not present over the past several years. In order to help keep soccer available for the kids in our communities, the WYSL has asked its club leaders and coaches to offer suggestions on how to keep soccer affordable during tough economic times. Here is a preliminary list of suggestions to either reduce costs or raise revenues:
Team level Require basic uniforms, not extras (warm-ups, 2nd jerseys, duffel bags, etc)
Suggestions Bulk purchase uniforms and equipment through club
No player names on uniforms in order to recycle/reuse them
Use outdoor turf fields as substitute for indoor rentals in early spring
Review balance between paid trainers/paid coaches vs volunteer coaches
Review rates paid for trainers and coaches
Local tournaments vs distant tournaments with overnight hotel stays
Team level fundraising, events and promotions, and individual donations from families
Team level scholarships for players in need
Maintain full rosters to reduce costs per family
Team carpooling to reduce travel expenses
Club level Create Fundraising Committee at Club Level
Suggestions Club fundraising efforts (Fundraising Banquet / Silent Auction, Golf Outing)
Use Internet-based fundraising methods
Club level sponsorships- uniform logos, field banners, website ads, local soccer shops
Dining to donate events
Formal club level Scholarship Program (with Board of Directors oversight)
Buy balls and gear in bulk for all club teams to reduce equipment costs
Competitively bid uniform, ball and equipment purchases if orders are large enough
Extend uniform cycle from 2 years to 3 years
Order reversible jerseys to avoid having to buy a 2nd set (rec, travel)
Use 501(c)3 status to avoid sales taxes on uniform and equipment purchases
Club level uniform and equipment recycling/passback programs
Two or more Clubs could combine their uniform orders- greater volume discounts
Review mix of paid trainers/paid coaches vs volunteers
Consider limits on indoor practices and paid trainer practices (reduce the “arms race”)
Hosting Tournaments as fundraisers (box soccer for rec players, travel tournaments)
Fewer club winter indoor programs, reduce gym rentals
Offer players paid opportunities- field lining, tournament helpers, trainers for younger teams
Offer payment plans to families (ie, pay club quarterly, not all upfront)
Encourage teams to maintain full rosters to reduce costs per family
Work with local soccer shop to create special “club sales days” – buy excess inventory cheap
Stay close to School and Rec facilities personnel to maintain low cost access to fields
League level Identify fundraising ideas on web site- educate clubs about opportunities
Suggestions Promote Member Club fundraising events (tournaments, camps)
Develop active sponsorship program (uniform companies, soccer camps, etc)
Create Fundraising Committee at League Board
Earmark a percentage of Select Program revenues to scholarships
More website ad sponsorships
Encourage carpooling to away games
Promote referee job opportunities as "work-study" program for players needing financial aid
Reduce the "burdens" of playing in the WYSL (registration process? make-up games?)
ENYYSA level Scale back State ODP into the League Select Programs, reduce travel distances
Suggestions Reduce costs and "burdens" of Premier Leagues (long distance travel, hotels, etc)
Take advantage of ENYYSA offer to provide free coach education courses for Rec coaches
State Cup will be eliminated for U-11s next year (already decided by ENYYSA)
Reduce Risk Management compliance costs
Renegotiate rates for insurance, passing savings back to leagues and families
December 6, 2008
