10 low-cost and actionable tips for getting your football club ready for the big season kick-off!

With football clubs soon back in action, organisations across the region have a crucial role in preparing for the winter months ahead. With limited staffing structures in place, many are reliant on a small group of volunteers to help make their club tick. But, what do you do first? What has the biggest impact? Where do you even start?

All of the below should be actionable and in most cases low cost or even free! What would your additional suggestions be?

• Understanding your current context and reality, set ambitions for the year on club membership numbers and establish a simple and actionable strategy on how the club will attract new players in all age categories

• Retain or replace team coaches, managers and coordinators and confirm staffing appointments for the year as well as provide a calendar of development events for them to attend throughout the season

• Establish your key contacts within the club and around your local community, knowing who is able to assist with various aspects of club organisation, inc. volunteer roles or any coordination roles required

• Promote and advertise upcoming playing and coaching opportunities for players at all levels, inc. social, competitive and any other age group your club caters for, including connecting with schools, colleges and universities

• Whilst establishing an overall club budget, seek out donations, sponsorships and grants to help boost club revenues as well as develop an emergency fund for any unexpected operational or team costs throughout the year

• Thank and retain current club partners, either with recognition or profile stories, highlighting their business and the contribution they have made to your club, and encourage club members to engage with their services

• Establish and maintain your relationship with the local council, other operational contractors, and any other related organisations that you will need to call on and work with throughout the year

• Provide continual updates to your existing membership through your website, social media or other forms of communication and ensure your website is up to date with key information, registration dates, club policy documents and other important information that your visitors need to know

• Offer plenty of opportunities for potential members to sample or connect with your club, through events such as Open Days, Muster Days or community football festivals, showcasing opportunities that are available

• Ensure your club is visually presentable with any required infrastructure upgrades or renovations and help your club be an appealing place to visit not only for your own members but travelling clubs, supporters and officials

The list will be endless but feel free to comment on any strategies that have worked for your club! Even one small idea could help someone immeasurably.