Parents are one of the most vital participants in every junior sporting club.

It’s not just about their dropping their kids off at training and making sure they’re at the game on time, nor is it making sure the kids kit is washed, dried and ready for wear by the weekend.

Parents also play an important role in supporting the coach, and even more importantly, volunteering their time to help with fundraising for the club.

Without this input and fundraising efforts, many clubs would struggle to continue; insurance, ground/court/venue fees, training equipment, and game equipment all need to have their costs covered. No money means the club will have no option but to discontinue.

One of the problems with parent volunteers is that it is often the same parents donating their time, and/or many feel their efforts are unappreciated or they are not getting the support they need.

Some parents don’t volunteer because they don’t think they have the time or skills, or simply don’t know what to do.

Boosting parent power within junior clubs is essential, and there a number of easy ways to do this.

Connection and collaboration 

Hold events, that may or may not involve fundraising, that include as many parents as possible and provide a fun, social atmosphere. Allow the parents to mingle and get to know each other, as well as the club officials, coaches, team managers and trainers.

Challenges like trivia nights create a fun feel, and provide multiple opportunities for connecting and getting to know each other.

It may even be a once-a-year social event, with dinner at the local pub, or picnic in the park.

Some sporting organisations have websites with portals for each club, or you could create your own website or Facebook page, which provides information and updates for parents. You can use this place to call out for assistance when needed, and provide a place for discussion and getting to know each other.

Make it Easy 

Parents often feel they can only contribute on game day, so let them know other ways in which they can contribute. If a parent asks, don’t simply reply “whatever you can do”, and avoid including requests for parent helpers in newsletters or emails without providing specifics.

Let the parents know the specific things you need; from stitching numbers to team tops, ground keeping, cutting oranges, delivering team equipment the night before the game, book keeping … the list goes on.

Most parents want to help, but either don’t know how they can help, or don’t have the time on game day to contribute, so feel they can’t contribute at all. All parents have skills that can be relevant, they just need to know what it is you need.

Tell them.

Say Thank You 

Saying thank you with a card or small gift lets the parent volunteers know their work is appreciated.

It doesn’t need to be big nor costly. Sometimes just an inclusion in the newsletter, email or Facebook page, acknowledging specific roles or contributions can be all that is needed.

Without the parents, you have no team, and you also have no club. Leverage what you have within your network, make it easy for them to be involved, and let them know they are appreciated.