The Clubhouse of Development
Welcome to all the leaders, coaches, and passionate community members who dedicate their time to youth soccer. Whether you lead a traditional club focused on competitive excellence or a community-based organization dedicated to using soccer as a tool for social good, you are all united by a common purpose: creating a sustainable and impactful future for young athletes.
The youth soccer community is made up of many different types of organizations, all with a shared passion for the game. In this program, we'll provide a framework that serves everyone in the ecosystem, helping you build a stronger financial foundation for your work.
The Evolution of Fundraising in Youth Soccer
Historically, fundraising in youth sports, particularly soccer, has been about grassroots efforts. Think car washes, bake sales, and parent fees. These efforts were great but often unpredictable and labor-intensive, providing enough to get by but rarely enough to truly thrive. For many years, this has been the accepted norm.
Today, we're at a pivotal moment. The costs of field rentals, equipment, and professional coaching continue to rise, making it harder for clubs and community organizations to offer equitable access to the game. However, simply charging more for programs will not fundamentally address the growing demands of the pay-to-play model or the increasing cost to run community-based programs in the United States. It’s also safe to say that the system isn’t going to change away from this model any time soon. Professional development and fundraising is the only fundamental solution, similar to how leading schools and hospitals figured it out decades ago.
This creates an amazing opportunity. By learning to build genuine relationships and strategically secure support, we can move beyond simply covering costs. We can create robust financial aid programs, build new facilities, invest in coaching education, and ensure that every child who wants to play has the chance. This program is your guide to seizing that opportunity.
Defining Our Terms: Fundraising vs. Development
You'll hear two key terms throughout this series: fundraising and development. While they're often used interchangeably, it's helpful to know the distinction:
Fundraising is the transactional act of asking for and securing money.
Development, in a professional context, is the strategic process of building long-term, lasting relationships with donors and partners.
In this program, we will focus on development—the comprehensive approach that helps every type of organization achieve its mission, whether that is funding financial aid, building new facilities, or creating sustainable community programming.
Your Roadmap: The 7 Stages & The Clubhouse
To guide this journey, we'll be using two powerful frameworks together, both pioneered by COGEO.
First, we will use the 7 Stages of a Soccer Organization. This model, which runs from the initial idea of a "Spark" to a lasting "Evergreen" organization, is your long-term roadmap. Not every organization is destined to be an Evergreen, but understanding these stages will help you determine the right end stage for your organization and build an appropriate path forward. The progression along these stages often takes years of dedicated effort.
Second, we will use the Clubhouse of Development. Think of this as the tactical roadmap, where each area of the clubhouse represents a different fundraising strategy. The progression from the "Entry Level" up the clubhouse represents the deepening of relationships with your donors. We'll start with broad, foundational support and move to more personal, cultivated relationships. At the center of the clubhouse sits Major Gifts, which is the heart of professional fundraising.
Throughout, we'll see how fundraising is not just about securing resources but also a powerful tool for forging partnerships that benefit both clubs and community-based organizations.
A New Mindset
A Commitment to Culture Change
Before you dive in, it is important to understand that professional development is not a one-time event. It is a decision to shift the culture of your organization. While you can certainly start small, this is a commitment to dedicating the time and resources necessary to build a lasting program. It's a move from simply operating programs to embracing a professional approach that will serve your mission for years to come.
Resources for Your Journey
The most successful fundraising isn't about asking for money; it's about connecting a donor’s passion with your organization's mission. We're not "asking for a handout"; we're offering an opportunity to invest in the lives of young athletes. Our goal is to shift your mindset from a transactional to a relational approach, building a community of support that extends beyond the field.
Each lesson in this series is designed to be a practical, actionable guide. Along the way, we'll provide you with supplementary templates and resources to help you apply these concepts directly to your organization. These tools will help you put the information into practice immediately.
Now, if you’re ready, let’s dive in!