A club should be at the heart of its community, which means being recognised as a provider of football and offering a valuable service. A visible, well-run club which has strong links in the community will find it easier to attract players, supporters and sponsorship.
1. Your club will draw upon people from its local community to play in the teams, to coach and to volunteer to run the club. It should also provide a service to people in the community by running teams where there is a demand, for example youth and adult teams, playing opportunities for girls as well as boys, and disability teams.
2. If your club is well known in a community, you will be in a better position to attract local sponsorship.
3. If you are lucky enough to have your own ground, you need to ensure it is easily recognisable. Do you have a fitting entrance sign explaining who you are: ‘Welcome to Blaze Juniors Football Club, an FA Charter Standard Club’. This will mean the local community know who and where you are, as well as being easily identifiable for visitors.
4. Do local parents and potential players know where to play football? Have you thought about advertising in your local post office, village noticeboard, free press or Primary and Secondary Schools? Tell them who you are, where to find and contact you, what teams you run, if you’re looking for players and/or volunteers and about your FA Charter Standard status. Download Where to Promote for more ideas.
Do you make the most of your FA Charter Standard and Respect status Promote your association within your community, as well as on your communications, kit and pitchside.