Developing grassroots sports clubs

This week I had the opportunity to speak at an event hosted by our local MP, sharing the story and key milestones behind the development of Crumlin United FC, my grassroots football club.

In my talk, I outlined some of the key lessons and principles that have guided our growth (not in any specific order):

⚖️ Governance: Get your legal status and governance foundations right from the start

🗺️ Plan: Have a clear plan with timelines and measurable goals and objectives 

💪 People: Recruit and retain good volunteers: quality people drives quality outcomes

💡 Innovation: Think creatively when it comes to income generation. Nail the basics, but don’t be afraid to innovate

🏠 Community First: Build everything around your community – your fans, members and community. Create authentic connections

🎓 Development: Invest in training for both your coaches and administrators

🌱 Pathway: Build a strong academy and player pathway

❤️ Culture & Brand: Define your club’s brand, values and culture and live them daily

📊 Impact: Measure the difference your club makes in the community

🏟️ Facilities: Develop facilities that serve sport and the wider community – be a hub of the community

Grassroots clubs are the backbone of sport and it’s vital we continue to share and learn from each other so these clubs thrive for generations to come.

I explore these principles and more in my upcoming book, which is now available for pre-order here: https://www.routledge.com/Leading-a-Grassroots-Sports-Club-A-Practical-Guide-to-Managing-and-Developing-Your-Club/Wilson/p/book/9781041094883?srsltid=AfmBOooMPgFpXYSGYwNBOLxrR6mYShU8mWeM_rbVCGlipdpjnsfqlqVD

#GrassrootsFootball #SportsDevelopment #CommunitySport #CrumlinUnited

About Geoff Wilson

Geoff runs his own consultancy business, with a focus primarily on sport.  Previously Head of Marketing and Communications at the Irish FA, Geoff now consults to a wide range of global sports organisations on areas such as strategic planning, marketing and communications, digital, fan engagement, public affairs, women’s football, league development, club development and knowledge sharing / capacity building programmes.  Geoff has created numerous academic models for the sports industry.  Geoff is on the Advisory Panel at the English Football League and Chair of the Sports Council Trust Company (Sport England organisation).

Check out Geoff’s online course in strategic planning at https://geoffwilson.teachable.com/

The sports models created or co created by Geoff can be found below:

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