5 Easy Ways Sports Booster Clubs Can Support Basketball Programs

Sports Booster Clubs play a pivotal role in the athletic experience of players of all ages, and all sports. Not only do they help encourage participation, they also help coaches provide their teams with new equipment and opportunities.

However, it can be difficult for the Booster Club or the program seeking help to know how to effectively support their players’ experience. If you’re a basketball coach wanting to reach out to your local club or a sports booster looking to help a program, here are 5 easy ways booster clubs can support basketball programs outside of providing additional funding.

1. Fundraising Collaboration

Fundraising is a great way to earn more funds for jerseys, equipment, travel, etc. outside of what would be regularly requested from a Booster Club. But, instead of just one party doing the fundraising, why not collaborate on a fundraising event to get coaches, parents, and players involved in the community together? Collaborating will allow for larger events, and hopefully more funds raised. It also gives everyone the chance to build relationships creating a stronger connection between the booster club and the team. Here are 15 unique fundraiser ideas to help get your collaborative event started.

2. Volunteering

Another great way sports booster clubs can support teams is volunteering time. It can be anything from helping out at basketball games, tournaments, or youth clinics. Volunteering at these events not only shows support for the players themselves, but also presents an opportunity for both the booster and the team to build awareness. Players and coaches can see first hand what booster members do and members can see everything coaches do for their team and how hard players are working. Having volunteers also allow teams to host more events and do more for the younger athletes. It also allows coaches to be more present with their players.

3. event Organization

Hand in hand with volunteering comes event organization. Sports Booster Clubs can support basketball programs by helping plan the bigger events, like tournaments, within the season as well as events that encourage sportsmanship and promote strong team culture. For tournaments, booster clubs can help find referees for games or organize and sponsor the concession stand. For more team-based events, clubs can plan team-building activities, bring in guest speakers, or simply plan pre or post-game team meals. 

Check out our all-in Coaching guide that contains ideas for team-building activities. 

Coaches, if your booster club is organizing an activity or event for your team, there’s also an opportunity to invite them to participate too!

4. Program Promotion

An area that might not be first on everyone's list, but is still important is the actual promotion of sports programs as well as the supporting booster clubs. This could be as easy as a banner or logo in the gym or on the booster club’s website. Other ways for promotion can include posting on social media, features in school newsletters, or signage throughout the community that showcases the program as well as the booster club. Looking to help or want support with promotion? Covering photography fees, printing costs, or supporting students who want to get involved with graphic design and social media management are all great options.

5. Supporting the Coach

One final way that Sports Booster Clubs can support basketball programs is directly supporting the coach and their supporting staff. Whether it’s helping with professional development or simply upgrading your coaches supplies like clipboards, whistles, etc., showing your support and helping make their day-to-day duties easier will allow coaches to spend more time where it matters most, on the court with their players. 

In closing, Booster Clubs and sports teams should be partners! Be in contact and on good terms with each other to maximize resources.