Below are top ten things to consider when creating community programs and building community relationships. Keep them in mind as you begin to grow your youth soccer community.
Top Ten Things to Consider in Developing Your Youth Soccer Program
- Understand your larger community. By knowing the needs of your community you can tailor your program to fit. For example, is obesity an issue? Gang violence? education? Linguistic differences? Understanding the make-up of your community can help you develop a program that creates meaningful and sustainable impact.
- Connect with your larger community. Create materials that explain your program, your goals and the details of your program in all target languages. Cold call or make local visits to build relationships with key community leaders and potential players – connecting with them where they are.
- Use your internal community. Explore the expertise that you already have within your organization. Do you have a Board Member who also volunteers at the local food shelter? A father who is a local police officer? Ask them questions about the needs in the community and influential leaders to connect to. Continue reading »