How to run a modified spring program with limited resources
The goal of this program is to offer players a modified spring recreation program that can be run by a few people. It allows the players to participate in a “pick-up” style format once per week and reduces potential conflicts with other sports and obligations.
A successful spring program will help grow your fall program.
Length of the Program
- 6-8 weeks Friday nights (Friday Night Futbol)
- 1 hour games- no practices
Registration
- K-5th grade
- Low pricing to attract new and old customers – suggested price $40/player
Additional costs
T-shirts for all participants. There are no set teams with this format so the t-shirts can be all the same color with the club or sponsor logo.
Equipment for the sessions
Cones, pinnies, small pop up goals
Field space
Multiple 20 by 30 yard fields for the games
Coaches
No coaches
Games
- Games are played in a 4v4 or 5v5 format
- 50 minute games
Expenses
- T-shirts $5 each
- High school age kids to referee @ $12/game
Road Map
Mock schedule
Kindergarten girls/boys – 5:00pm
1st Grade girls/boys – 5:00pm
2nd Grade girls/boys – 6:00pm
3rd Grade girls/boys- 6:00pm
4th Grade girls/boys- 7:00pm
5th Grade girls/boys-7:00pm
Players arrive based on the schedule. They check in at a table and are directed to a mini field with other players their age. A referee for each field greets the players and alternates color pinnies to make teams. Once the field accumulates at least 6 players the “pick up” style game begins. It is run by a referee or two (depending on your budget). Additional players can join this game as they arrive with a maximum of 8-10 players per field.
As additional players arrive, they are directed to their age appropriate field and the process continues as fields are filled. After a few minutes you will have multiple fields running with age appropriate games.
Game rules:
- Games end 10 minutes prior to the top of the hour
- Water breaks every 15 minutes
- No score is kept
- Kick ins only
- No goal keepers
- Teams may be adjusted to balance out the teams
Number of people needed for the night-
- 2 check in people (volunteer students/parents)
- 1 board member (watching over)
- High school age boys/girls to referee (# depends on how many games that night)
Spring Soccer Field Set-Up
Based on your registration-plan on making enough fields that will accommodate 10 players/field per hour. For example, If your largest hour is 6pm-7pm with 40 players attending based on your registration, you would need 4 fields set up starting at 5pm so you are prepared for the 6pm-7pm hour.
A few points about the program
- Setting up the fields prior to the players arriving is critical. Whether you use cones or have lines drawn, the referees should set up and break down the fields.
- The board member or session leader is on site to oversee the session.
- Some weeks your numbers may be lighter than others. If you have less numbers in any given week, you can combine age groups and consolidate the fields.
- Length of the field can be easily adjusted to accommodate less numbers by moving a goal in closer.
- The referees are simply individuals that keep the game moving and make sure the basic soccer rules are being followed.
- Time is kept by one referee and the water breaks are all done at the same time.
4 fields can handle 120 players over 3 hours. 40 players per hour. Parents can sit behind the goals in lawn chairs and watch the “pick up’ soccer game with plenty of goals scored.
Referee’s can make it fun and give pointers during the game. They do not need to be certified referee’s. It is better to have individuals that play soccer like high school players. They have the freedom to adjust the players on the teams to make it more competitive. It is optional to use 2 referee’s per field depending on your budget (see sample budget). This is a good way to get beginner referee’s a chance to assist or volunteer before they get paid to referee.
This program is easily run by the 2 individuals who check in the players and the referee’s. Week #1 you may need an additional volunteer or two to hand out the t-shirts.
Sample revenue vs expenses breakdown
Revenue
120 players registered at $40/player= $4800
Expenses
T-shirt $5 x 120 players = $600
Referees 96 games over 8 weeks
$12/game = $1152
Total Expenses = $1752
Other costs you may have:
Field rental (24 hours over 8 weeks)
Giveaways
Supervisor pay
This simplified program is a great alternative to a full fledged recreation program.
——————————————————————————-
Youthsoccer101 started over 10 years ago with a simple system for recreation coaches and now services 150 clubs and over 100,000 coaches nationwide. Whether you use Youthsoccer101 or find something different, you need a plan to get those potential volunteers off the sidelines and on your team.
