How To Start Your Own Sports Club

If you just can’t get enough of your favorite sport and want to integrate it into your life even more, you may want to consider starting a sports club! These clubs can be a great way to meet new people, find new events to attend, and of course, get your fix of your favorite sport! Here are some ways to get started. 

Determine Your Style 

Will this be a casual get-together of pickup basketball games? Or will you be coaching folks on their golf swing and entering tournaments? Whether you choose to go casual or committed is up to you, but be sure you’re clear from the beginning so you can accurately communicate that to your members. 

Write Your Code of Conduct

Whether you do this on your own or with several other people, you’ll want a code of conduct that reflects the spirit of your team. This may include outlining unsavory behavior like bullying, cheating, name-calling, or other unsportsmanlike conduct. 

You may also want to consider rules around contact or physical roughness, whether teams will be co-ed or separated by gender, if applicable. What happens if someone misses a game, or has to cancel mid-season? Make sure these rules are written down and that new members agree to them when they join. 

Establish a Budget 

Some communities may have a dedicated budget for sports clubs, but most clubs will need to raise their own funds. You’ll want to think about everything you’ll potentially need to cover like equipment,f facilities, referees, uniforms, and more. One thing that can help you pay for these things is regular dues from your members, which you can explain on your sign up page! 

Plan for Churn 

Injuries happen, illnesses pop up, and interests fade. How are you going to ensure that you have a constant source of new members to replace the ones who have to leave? If your plan to start a sports club doesn’t include a plan on how to encourage new members to join, you’ll want to stop and iron out those details before continuing. This may include online marketing, local advertisements, or a referral program. 

It doesn’t matter if you’re running a table tennis club, your own softball or baseball league, or you’re just getting some friends together to run on the weekends, starting your own sports club can be a great way to get outside, get some exercise, and make new friends. Join It can help you with the administrative things, too! Sign up now for a free trial and make membership management easier than ever.