Here are some key factors to get your soccer camp up and running, and ensure you make money.
1. Field (Location)
This is even more important than players. No field means, no play. You could have all the players without a ‘home’ to play your program has no chance.
Earmarking a field must not only be done early but it must also be done FIRST.
Field costs vary if you will be on turf or grass. Turf in the summer can be very uncomfortable (below I will talk about timing)
2. Field Time
You have to nail this one. This has a major impact on your numbers.
Timing is everything when it comes to parenting and their kids. Camps in the AM will typically attract larger numbers. This period allows parents time to drop off early and get other things done. Starting around 9 or 9:30 AM works well.
You can also earn additional revenue if you factor in an early drop fee.
3. Collaboration or Solo
Coordinating a camp with a youth club or organization provides great benefits.
Often times they have relationships for fields and coverage can be placed on their insurance. Most importantly, they have a database of players. That would remove your promotional costs.
On the other hand, coordinating a camp solo allows you to retain a greater share of the revenue but you would have to procure fields, purchase insurance, and promote through many different avenues.
4. Boys or Girls, or Coed
You can generate larger numbers if you focus on the following
- Coed (makes it easier for parents with boys and girls)
- Ages 5 thru to 12. Above 10 years old the numbers start to decline unless you are offering an elite/select.
5. Costs
Your camp should be comparable to other programs in your surrounding.
Parents often compare a program with babysitting costs of 2.5 to 3 hours per day.
Soccer camp prices for a week of training can vary between $200 – $325.
For a detailed breakdown access my guide sheet at the bottom of the page.
6. Staff
Hiring trainers is an important ingredient to your camp’s success.
If your camp has a larger number of Kindergartners thru 2nd grade, then the High school or College students can support it. The reason is, you are more facilitating than coaching.
If you have many players involved in travel, premier, or select teams then bringing on certified coaches is highly recommended.
Experienced coaches can easily manage ratios of 1:15 or 1:20.
7. Insurance
The necessary evil. Never conduct a youth soccer program without insurance in place. It’s not worth the risk.
If you are conducting a joint camp, then the club or organization will mostly provide coverage.
If you are going solo then you need to contact an insurance broker. K&K Insurance Group, Inc. – Sports Division is a great starting place.
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