How to boost your sports club’s membership?

Discover actionable tips to grow your sports club’s membership, keep your team engaged, and make everyone feel like an MVP! Let’s dive in and make it happen.

Looking to expand your sports club and create an energetic, dynamic environment for your members? We’ve got you covered. Whether you’re running a football team, a social netball league, or a community fitness group, increasing your membership is key to staying dynamic and successful. Let’s dive into some no-nonsense, effective strategies to attract more members and keep the current ones sticking around. Ready? Let’s go!

1. Know your people

Who are you trying to bring into your club? What do they want? Nail this down first, and you’re already winning half the battle.

Here’s how:

Check out your current squad: Take a good look at who’s already in your club. What’s their age group? What do they enjoy? Spotting patterns can help you figure out who else to target.

Ask and listen: Run quick surveys or grab feedback during socials. What do members love? What could be better? This insider info helps you make your club even more appealing.

Stay trendy: Keep an eye on what’s hot. Lunch-hour classes? Inclusive leagues? Social drinks after matches?  If it’s trending, make it part of your offering. Being on-trend makes your club the place to be.

Once you know who you’re aiming to attract, tailoring your sports club to their needs becomes a breeze.

2. Make it hard to say no

You want people to feel like they’re scoring big by joining your club.

Here’s how to sweeten the deal:

First-timer perks: Offer a discounted rate for newbies. Make it time-limited for a little nudge, “Join by the end of the month and save 20%”.

Exclusive goodies: Who doesn’t love extra perks? Think VIP event invites, discounts on gear, or free coaching sessions. These make your members feel like MVPs.

Tailored memberships: Offer family discounts such as second child joins free. Attracting students? Drop the price for them. Custom options make joining feel personal.

Try before they buy: Free trials are a no-brainer. Let people experience the good vibes and community before committing. Most of them will stay for the long haul once they see what you’re all about.

And here’s where PLAI Sport comes in clutch. Our app makes sign-ups a breeze, so your potential members don’t hit a roadblock before they even start. Easy peasy.

3. Go digital or go home

In today’s world, being online is non-negotiable. Make sure your club’s digital game is on point:

Social Media FTW: Post regular updates, share action shots, and hype up upcoming events. Social media is the perfect stage to show off your sports club’s personality. Got a budget? Boost posts or run ads targeting locals who love sports.

Email like a pro: A simple email newsletter keeps members in the loop and potential recruits curious. Share highlights, upcoming events, and even fun behind-the-scenes moments.

Be searchable: When people search “best sports clubs near me,” make sure they find YOU. Optimise your website with local keywords, it’s worth it.

Create cool content: Share game day recaps, member success stories, or even “How to” guides. Fun, shareable content gets people’s attention and keeps them coming back for more.

4. Host events that bring the buzz

Throwing events is a killer way to showcase your club’s vibe and attract new faces.

Here’s what works:

Open days: Think “Try-It-Out Tuesday” or a “Welcome Weekend.” These give people a chance to dip their toes in and see if your sports club feels like home.

Tournaments & socials: From friendly competitions to pizza-and-ping-pong nights, these create a sense of community and fun.

Team up locally: Partner with local businesses to sponsor events or offer deals. It’s great exposure and shows you’re all about community vibes.

Events aren’t just about recruiting new members, they’re about making everyone feel connected and pumped to be part of your club.

5. Keep your members hooked

Getting members is one thing; keeping them is another.

Here’s how to keep your squad loyal:

A+ customer service: Be quick, friendly, and helpful. From answering questions to welcoming newbies, a little attention goes a long way.

Build your community: Foster friendships within the club. Group activities, social events, and even PLAI’s fantasy sports feature make people feel like they’re part of something bigger.

Reward loyalty: Celebrate long-term members with discounts, exclusive invites, or just a heartfelt shout-out. It’s the small things that count.

Keep listening: Regularly ask for feedback. It’s a win-win… you improve the club, and members feel heard and valued.

Retention isn’t just about avoiding churn, it’s about creating lifelong fans who bring their friends along too.

The bottom line

Growing your sports club doesn’t have to be complicated. Understand your audience, craft killer offers, show up online, throw fun events, and keep your current members engaged. With these strategies and a little help from PLAI Sport, your club will be unstoppable.

Ready to take your sports club to the next level? PLAI Sport’s app makes member management a breeze so you can focus on what matters most, building an awesome, thriving community.

Click to button below to schedule a free, no-frills demo with us today to discover the power of PLAI firsthand!