Running a booster club is a rewarding experience that gives you the opportunity to serve countless student-athletes. However, building a thriving booster club is not without its challenges. Some of the biggest hurdles you might encounter while running your booster club include the following:

1. Disorganization

Disorganization is the enemy of productivity. If board members, general members, parents, donors, and volunteers aren’t on the same page, your club isn’t going to accomplish very much.

One of the biggest sources of disorganization is a lack of a unified communication channel. The good news, though, is that this is an easy problem to solve. All you need is booster club software. Great software will streamline communication, keep your club organized, and help you get more done.

2. Lack of Funds

Booster clubs have two main functions: raising funds and using those funds to support sports teams and student-athletes. You can’t accomplish that second objective when funds are scarce.

There is no one-size-fits-all approach to booster club fundraising. Some clubs are lucky enough to have a handful of MVP donors who make recurring contributions year after year. Others have to get creative. 

The best way to find out what works in your community is to try a handful of different solutions. That way, you can see what delivers the most impactful results. 

3. Lack of Volunteers

Once you’ve got the funding and become organized, it’s time to find people to work concessions, run events, and chaperone activities. Admittedly, this is a tricky problem to solve. 

When you lack volunteers, reach out to the parents of student-athletes. Don’t just contact the parents of the students whose sport is in season, however. You should also reach out to parents of students whose sports are out of season and encourage them to “pay it forward” by volunteering. 

4. Disconnect of Mission

Sometimes, club boards and athletic directors or coaches forget that they are on the same team. That’s because the athletic directors and their coaches may have objectives that are at odds with the club’s mission.

If you want to achieve great things, you’ll need to collaborate with the AD and the head coaches for each sports team on campus. Your club is a great fundraising and support resource for the coaches. In turn, the AD and coaches can mobilize parents to donate and volunteer at club events. Always remember that teamwork makes the dream work. 

5. Fraud

According to Parent Booster USA, fraudsters steal about $1 million a year from school fundraising groups. A single instance of fraud can undo all your hard work and undermine community trust in your club. 

That’s why it’s crucial for you to proactively prevent fraud. You can do so by implementing checks and balances, electing a skilled treasurer, and using secure booster club software. 

How to Avoid These Common Problems 

The key to avoiding or mitigating these problems is diligence. Even when everything is going smoothly for your club, be on the lookout for potential speed bumps and address any emerging problems right away. Don’t let them fester.

With a little diligence and proactivity, you can keep your booster club on the right track to make a positive, lasting impact on the student-athletes you serve.

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