For years, you’ve wanted to manage your own local sports team but never had the time to do it. But now, finally, you just signed up to manage a new community youth basketball team! You’re overjoyed and can’t wait to get your group of future Kyle Lowrys out on the court.
However, starting a new sports team isn’t as easy as it may seem. You must prepare for the first game well in advance by ensuring the players are ready and that there’s money to spend. Let’s look at how you can optimize your new basketball all-star team with these management tips.
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Create a Budget
The first thing is to create a detailed budget for the upcoming season. Work with your accountant or bookkeeper to strategize realistic financial goals so that you can afford the things you need and save a little for next season. You’ll need to keep track of any travel expenses, paying court fees, equipment, and any other miscellaneous items accumulated on the road. Keep all of the receipts and record all costs in the budget. The budget might not be the most exciting part about managing a team, but you must diligently keep on top of it.
Know Your Players
What’s the point of managing a team if you don’t know who’s in it? Ensure that you have all of the players’ contact and emergency contact information — phone numbers, email addresses, and home addresses — and store it in a folder on your desktop. While it’s crucial to know everyone’s contact details on the team, you should also get to know them on a personal level. Before the season begins, arrange an ice-breaker style get together where everyone can learn more about one another, such as a private dinner. Attend practices and games to show support. Developing meaningful relationships with the team will encourage you to do a better job as a manager.
Find the Perfect Uniforms
A team’s uniform is incredibly significant. A uniform symbolizes drive, passion, and camaraderie. You want it to embody the team’s spirit and unique personality. Once you decide on a design, you’ll want to order bulk custom t shirts from a trusted screen-printing company. Find a company that can transfer your logo design onto t-shirts of large quantities so you can get everything done in one place. Branded uniform t-shirts will inspire the players to unify as a team and promote brand recognition.
Set Up Promotional, Sponsored Partnerships
If budget allows, liaise a sponsored partnership with a local business. Such sponsorships can alleviate some financial stress on your end, and it’s excellent marketing for the company.
Furthermore, partnerships add a positive promotional light onto your team because it provides legitimacy. Not to mention the brand recognition that you’ll receive. A working relationship with a well-known business in town will enable people to cheer the team on, wherever they go.
Paying attention to the administrative details like a budget might not sound too exciting, but they’re critical to do. The main thing is to have fun while you do it by getting to know your players, finding the perfect uniforms, and organizing a sponsorship. Lastly, remember to brush up on your basketball because you never know when your skills will be needed!
