If you want your club to look more ‘Premier League’ than ‘Fourth Division’, you’ll need to make a good impression off-the-pitch as well as on it. If you get your club image right and use your assets, you’ll have a winning combination.
1. You’ll need to consider what your club stands for – its ethos and values, click here for more help with this.
2. You can also set some values or key words to describe what you want your club to be. These can be as simple as ‘friendly’, ‘inclusive’, or longer phrases such as ‘positive environment’ or ‘realising potential’.
3. Consider what your club looks like, from the club crest to what colour scheme you choose. The colours will be used on your kit as well as across communications, so opt for something that will look good.
If you’re starting up a new club, consider the name you choose. It could reflect your local area so you’re easily identifiable but should be unique. Check out what other clubs in your area and league are called, so you have something that’s different. Also, think about whether you will put ‘youth’ in the name. If you may one day have open age teams, the ‘Youth’ part of the club name won’t reflect your offer and adult players won’t like it!
4. Work as a team! Ask the committee who wants to be involved in creating the look and ethos. Make the most of any parents at the club who have experience in design, marketing or PR. You could even involve your players and members by running a competition. Finally make sure you get the committee to agree to your proposal.
5. Don’t leave your work on the subs’ bench! You’ll make a great impression on your local community and the rest of your league if you carry out the look through everything you do, from paperwork to website to kit. Make sure all club officials are aware of the club’s manifesto and use the values.