The economy continues to be a key topic of conversation and a number of families face financial challenges that were not present over the past several years. Recently, Westchester Youth Soccer League, a proud member of US Youth Soccer and Eastern New York Youth Soccer Association, provided USYouthSoccer.org with some suggestions on how to keep soccer affordable.
Below please find a preliminary list of suggestions to either reduce costs or raise revenues:
Team Level Suggestions
Require basic uniforms, not extras (warm-ups, 2nd jerseys, duffel bags, etc)
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 roster to reduce costs per family
Team carpooling to reduce travel expenses
Club Level Suggestions
Create Fundraising Committee at Club Level
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 Suggestions
Identify fundraising ideas on web site- educate clubs about opportunities
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
;
Have additional ideas or suggestions? Click on comments (top of page) and add to the conversation.