Hi {{first_name}}
Thanks for the great response to our new Program Directorās Playbook. Iām Chad Henry and Iāve been in your shoes, so each week I share tips and tricks to improve your youth sports program. This week we focus on smart ways to save money without sacraficing the quality of your program. Please let us know here if these tips save your club money, and have a great sports week.
Chad Henry and the Signature Locker Team
š§± This Weekās Play: Save Money Without Sacrificing Quality
Running a youth sports program can feel like a financial juggling act. Youāre trying to deliver a top-tier experience while keeping families happy and your budget intact. Most directors think they have to choose between cutting costs and improving the program.
They donāt.
This weekās feature breaks down six smart plays programs across the country are using to save thousands while actually boosting player experience. Think smarter gear systems, cleaner operations, stronger volunteer roles, and upgrades families can see.
If you want a program that stays financially healthy and parent-approved, youāll want to read this one.
Read the full story š
Elijah Myers | Former College Recruit, Youth Lacrosse Coach
š£ Program Spotlight
This weekās feature follows Elijah Myers, a former D1 recruit whose career-ending concussion pushed him from the spotlight into coaching and eventually into a new sense of purpose.
His story is a reminder that the game can shape you long after you stop playing.
Elijah rebuilt his identity by pouring into younger athletes, guiding them through the same pressures he once carried. And in the process, he discovered that resilience, leadership, and connection outlast any scholarship offer.
ā” 3 Quick Wins to Stretch Your Budget Even Further
1ļøā£ Bundle With Neighboring Programs
Reach out to nearby clubs and rec leagues to coordinate shared purchases or facility rentals. When three programs negotiate together, pricing suddenly gets friendlier. Vendors love volume, and you get instant savings without cutting anything from your program.
2ļøā£ Audit Your Time, Not Just Your Wallet
Hidden cost: hours lost to chaotic workflows. Map one busy week and spot the bottlenecksālate forms, repetitive tasks, scattered communication. Fixing inefficiencies often saves more than slashing expenses because it frees you and your coaches to focus on player development.
3ļøā£ Turn Small Sponsors Into Season-Long Partners
Instead of chasing one big sponsor, build a roster of smaller, local partners who get real visibility throughout the season. Uniform patches, event tables, newsletter mentions, training-night shoutouts. When businesses see consistent ROI, they renew year after year, giving you predictable revenue without heavy fundraising.
