RC Training Continuing Education #1 Creating Local Value

This workshop is open to all RCs and Regional Volunteers!

Workshop #701

Introduction “In our era of increase competition for resources; when your

program is considered important, you are more likely to get more resources and assistance”

“When you get more resources and assistance, you are able to attract more families. When you have more families and resources, you can offer higher quality programming.”

Objective8 specific planning steps you can take

to grow your Region… …Find resources and partnerships to

help you execute your plan… …Identify key issues to consider

Benefits of Growth

Reaches more familiesMakes you a positive force in your

communityAllows for successionMakes it more FUNFUN!

Drawbacks

It’s workYou may have to think and act

differentlyIt’s very hard to do on your own, think

project group …

Special Note: Quality and Size

Does Matter**As you increase the quality and size of your program,

you become more valuable to your community.

When you are valuable to your community, your program becomes self-sustaining. It’s also more fun!

The “AHA” Moment

You know bestYou get to choose what to doThere’s plenty of help available

Key Steps

1. Identify the things you are doing (or could do) that your community values

2. Determine how many children are near you

3. Choose the programs that are going to make the difference for your program

4. Figure out how many fields you need and where to get them

Key Steps (more)5. Create a budget, volunteer

recruitment plan and marketing approach

6. Identify your strategic partners7. Execute your plan8. Rinse and repeat

Step 1: Your Value

Where are you gaining new families?Where are losing families?What have your families been

requesting?What are competing programs offering?How can you help the schools, parks

and rec and your city leaders?

Step 2: Your Audience

Data SourcesSchool enrollment data

(http://nces.ed.gov/)AYSO’s SpatialKey dataset

What % of available children are you reaching?

Develop targets by age group

Step 3: Your ProgramsAYSO Programs

PreSoccer (U4)Jamboree (U5)U6/U8 primary and secondaryEXTRAVIPAdult

Roll Your Own Programs

Open practiceAdditional informal play opportunitiesSpecial events & clinics

Special Note: Is there a Hub*? *Your HUB is the big dog Region who has the largest number

participants, offers more programs, and has resources you do not

1. Are you communicating?2. Are you sharing resources?3. Why not, we’re all AYSO!4. Need EXTRA, more U16/19 players, or a Spring Jamboree, how about the new Playtime Adventure program? … think outside the box, share volunteer resources and players with a neighboring Region.

Step 4: Fields

Games and practice times

Make it as easy as possible

for your families

What’s ideal? Are there gaps?

Know who can grant your permit

Consider community conflicts

Start your permit conversations early and have them every year

Step 5: PlanningBudget program costs/playerIdentify program volunteers

and rolesDecide how you want to

promote your programDevelop a calendarRecruit your leadership team

(and their friends)

Step 6: Strategic Partner (Politics)

Community LeadersCity Council

School Board

HOA Boards

Opinion Makers

School and City EmployeesParks & Rec Managers

School Principals

Permit Office

Public Safety Staff

Step 6: Strategic Partners (Sponsors)

Local BusinessesFoundation GrantsJoint Use AgreementsAYSO National Sponsors & StaffOther RegionsArea and Section Staff

Step 7: Execute Your Plan!Get your leadership on Board

Refine the calendar

Fund raising events

Registration events

Play and practice calendar

Board meetings

Ad hoc meetings

Monitor results and adjust

Celebrate success

Special Note: the Late Registration Shift*

*Nationwide we’re seeing parents registering their children later. Often 1-2 weeks before the season is

set to start.

• It’s a trend here to stay• Your board must address it NOW• There are already several opportunities - 1st week SoccerFest - 2nd week Skills Academy - 3rd week Jamboree, Player Evaluation Fact: Early Bird or Late Registration Fees have little effect!

Step 8: Do It AgainReview metricsGet feedback from your familiesDebrief leadership team and partnersSolicit suggestions from your Area &

Section leadershipReload, aim and fireCelebrate success

Helpful Hints (Strategy)

Growth comes from having a program your community wants

Add to your program a few pieces at a time

Emphasize quality and quantityMake sure you deliver on your promisePlan for a multi-year effort

Helpful Hints (Organization)

You need a teamRC’s key role is cheerleader/coachMake roles manageableInclude opinion leaders on your Board

Helpful Hints (Partners)

Both sides have to benefitBe smart about the politicsStrong relationships take time

ConclusionOnly you can decide

what’s right for your community

There are lots of resources to support your choices

Get started, but get it right!

Creating Local Value - Applied

It’s all about YOU!You need to start … take the first step, it’s

that simple…

… If you start, others will follow R.C.

U.

Thank You!