How to Create A Booster Club

Many athletic programs need to have a booster club to support them both vocally in the stands and financially. If a program does not have a booster club, it is likely that they very well may need one at some point. Read on to learn more.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

1. Plan for success. To create a booster club you should take the same steps as you would for starting business. You are not trying to make money, but it is a large undertaking that requires time and effort. Try to figure out how many volunteers you need and who can fill what role. You cannot do all the work yourself. If you do not have help all you will do is drive yourself six feet under for nothing. Be persistent if you do not have help at first, but do not try to move mountains alone.
2. Work with the school administration. If you do not have the support of the administration, you are fighting an uphill battle to create a booster club. Most school administrators welcome the effort and they end up being a tremendous resource to know what you can and cannot do from a legal standpoint.
3. Be prepared to dedicate a large amount of your time. In order to create a booster club you need other volunteers. Initially there may be a great deal of support for the booster club. If that is the case, you need to maintain that momentum. On the other hand, there may be very little interest. In that case, you have to carry the ball until more support can be developed.
4. Create a fundraising strategy. Going to people with your hand out is not effective. Come up with ideas that spark interest. They do not have to be completely original, but they do need to be interesting. There are also organizations that have programs to help you raise money, for a cost of course.
5. Have a purpose. Do not create a booster club designed to fund-raise for the sake of raising money. You need to inspire people with a reason to give. If there is a goal in mind such as new uniforms, a trip to play a game somewhere or better equipment, people are much more willing to give.
6. Utilize the parents. Most parents are very involved in their children's lives and they can bring excitement as they generally welcome any effort designed to assist their little ones. If you create a booster club, the parents should be actively involved.

Tips & Warnings

• Call other schools in your area to see what kinds of things their Booster Club does for fundraisers or to get organizational ideas.