Author: jenna hallen

Fundraising Strategies for Swim Clubs: Tips and Tricks to Maximize Revenue and Community Support

by Jenna Hallen

Content Contributor at SportsEngine

August 9, 2024 | 2 minutes, 43 seconds read

Swim clubs play a vital role in fostering a love for swimming and developing young athletes' skills. However, like any sports organization, swim clubs face financial challenges in maintaining facilities, covering competition expenses, and compensating coaches. In this article, we'll explore effective fundraising strategies to help swim clubs maximize revenue and build stronger community support.

Understanding the Landscape:

Swim clubs operate in a financially demanding environment. From pool rental fees to equipment costs and coaching salaries, the expenses quickly add up. While membership fees and sponsorships provide essential revenue streams, relying solely on these sources can limit a club's financial stability and growth potential.

READ MORE: Dive into Safety--Ensuring Fun and Secure Registration for Youth Sports

The Power of Fundraising:

Fundraising offers swim clubs a powerful tool to bridge the gap between their financial needs and available resources. By engaging in effective fundraising initiatives, clubs can not only secure additional funds but also strengthen their connections with the community. Successful fundraising efforts lead to improved facilities, enhanced training programs, and expanded opportunities for athletes to excel.

Key Fundraising Strategies:

1. Events and Campaigns

Hosting fundraising events, such as swim-a-thons, auctions, and community races, provides swim clubs with an excellent opportunity to engage members and attract community support. These events not only raise funds but also foster a sense of camaraderie among participants. TeamUnify's event management features can simplify the planning and execution of these events, ensuring they run smoothly and successfully.

2. Partnerships and Sponsorships

Forming partnerships with local businesses, swimwear brands, and sports organizations can significantly boost a swim club's revenue. By offering exposure to their sponsors through signage, social media mentions, and event participation, clubs can create mutually beneficial relationships that support their financial goals. TeamUnify's integrated communication tools make maintaining and promoting these partnerships easy.

3. Online Fundraising Platforms

Leveraging online fundraising platforms allows swim clubs to reach a broader audience and streamline the donation process. Platforms tailored to the needs of sports organizations offer features such as customizable donation pages, social sharing tools, and donor management capabilities, making it easier for clubs to raise funds efficiently. TeamUnify provides a robust online platform that includes these features, helping swim clubs maximize their fundraising potential with minimal effort.

READ MORE: Four Major Perks of Switching to Online, Team Sports Fundraising

Best Practices and Tips:

  • Set realistic fundraising goals based on your club's needs and capabilities.
  • Diversify your fundraising efforts to reduce reliance on any single source of revenue.
  • Promote fundraising events and campaigns using social media and email marketing. TeamUnify's marketing tools can enhance your outreach and engagement efforts.
  • Communicate transparently with donors, providing updates on how their contributions make a difference.
  • Express gratitude to donors and volunteers for their support, fostering a culture of appreciation within the club.
Jenna Hallen

About Jenna Hallen

Content Contributor at SportsEngine

Jenna Hallen is a content contributor at NBC Sports Next, working as a marketing intern. Jenna is currently pursuing her education at South Dakota State University, and fulfilling her dream of playing soccer at the Division I level.

When she's not in the office or on the soccer field, Jenna enjoys exploring the outdoors with her two border collies through walks and hikes. You might also catch her passionately cheering on her favorite Green Bay Packers football team.

Connect with Jenna Hallen

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Sun Valley Ski Foundation Achieves 55% Year-over-Year Increase in Opening Day Registrations with SportsEngine HQ

by Brynn Mahnke

Content Contributor at SportsEngine

August 1, 2024 | 5 minutes, 29 seconds read

At a Glance 

Sun Valley Ski Education Foundation outgrew its previous registration solution and began partnering with SportsEngine to serve its 900 athletes across 36 teams. SVSEF uses SportsEngine HQ to simplify registration and payment, streamlining reporting for its two-person administrative staff.

Technology toolsChallenge: Sun Valley Ski Education Foundation searched for a solution that could help simplify a complicated registration processes and inflexible payment options.
Technology leaderSolution: By leveraging SportsEngine HQ's registration, member management, and reporting tools, SVSEF improved payment options, offered a seamless registration experience, and could efficiently distribute scholarships.
Live stream capabilitesResults: Admin teams, coaches, and parents benefited from easy access to reports, a 55% year-over-year increase in opening day registrations, and flexible payment options.

 

Intro:

The Sun Valley Ski Education Foundation (SVSEF) is a non-profit focused on providing exceptional snowsports programs for the youth of Wood River Valley, Idaho. It serves over 900 athletes and has had 25 Olympians go through its programs. 

Challenge:

SVSEF seeks alternatives due to limited payment options, customer service, and reporting

With a small administrative staff of just two people, SVSEF always looks for ways to streamline its processes and lighten the burden on the admin team. For several years, it had used a platform specifically designed for ski clubs to help parents register athletes more easily.

“We needed more support, and we just weren’t getting that on the backend,” explained Mimi Crocker, Business Administrator and Director for SVSEF. “We’d have to wait days sometimes to get answers to our questions, and that just didn’t really work for us.”

Besides more responsive customer support, SVSEF was looking for a partner that could provide various payment plans and more options for parents. As a non-profit, SVSEF provides over $500,000 in scholarships annually, and it needed an efficient way to distribute those awards so parents could access them during the registration process. It also needed to easily access a variety of reports for admin, accounting, and coaching purposes.

SVSEF was already familiar with SportsEngine through a partner organization, Rotarun, a small ski area SVSEF uses for training. Rotarun started using SportsEngine in 2017 for background screening and abuse prevention training for coaches. “That functionality was amazing, super easy to use,” said Crocker. As SVSEF’s services and number of athletes continued expanding, it outgrew the existing platform’s capabilities, so Crocker reached out to SportsEngine to see if it could meet SVSEF’s needs as well.

 

“As a non-profit, we put our resources towards programming and the kids. SportsEngine provides a huge efficiency gain, which is really key to our organization. Its ease of use for parents allows us to be there for them and for our coaches.”  - Mimi Crocker, Business and Administration Director

 

Solution:

SportsEngine stands out with exceptional customer service and all-in-one solution


From the beginning, SportsEngine set itself apart from its competitors with its willingness to provide incredible customer service and meet SVSEF’s needs. The support provided by SportsEngine’s sales team and the implementation team gave Crocker the confidence that the customer service would be there to bolster them throughout the relationship.

“It’s been 180 degrees different from the previous platform,” she said. “Our project manager took the time to learn about our organization and our needs, and was really able to guide us in the right direction. The implementation process went so smoothly, it was amazing.”

After learning about SVSEF’s needs and goals, its project manager guided them to SportsEngine HQ as the best solution for its needs. SVSEF uses HQ to simplify registration for its teams, classes, and other programs it offers. From the first day registration was open, Crocker was impressed by the amount of time SportsEngine saved the administrative staff.

“I’m not tech savvy, so I was concerned about my ability to build registrations and use all the features,” said Crocker. “But once I got a little training, I realized how truly simple it is to use. The whole platform is built with the user in mind.”
 

“We are thrilled with the new SportsEngine platform and how seamless the rollout was for families. I am confident that we made a good decision in partnering with SportsEngine.”  - Mimi Crocker, Business and Administration Director

Conclusion: 

Implementing SportsEngine HQ leads to improved customer service and 55% registration increase

On registration opening day with a new platform, Crocker and the other team administrator braced for a busy day of answering phone calls. But those phone calls never came.

“We received two phone calls the entire day,” said Crocker. Not only that, but student registration numbers were up 55% over last year’s opening day, and SVSEF generated over $393,000 in registration fees in a single day.

“We high-fived at the end of the day and attributed all of this to SportsEngine’s ease of use,” said Crocker.

Parents could easily navigate the platform and register for teams and classes. And student athletes who were eligible for scholarships and discounts could enter unique codes and receive their discounts immediately. All of this resulted in a faster, easier registration process for both parents and the administration staff of SVSEF. When the day was over, Crocker and her team could access reports and see exactly where they stood, simplifying budgeting and planning for the year.

 

SVSEF plans on implementing even more of SportsEngine’s solutions

Now, SportsEngine HQ is integrated into everything SVSEF does. All team communication, registration, season management, and reporting functionalities are available on a single platform. SVSEF also uses HQ to manage logistics for team travel competitions.

And when she gets the opportunity, Crocker tells every ski club she knows about SportsEngine. “SVSEF gets inquiries from other ski clubs across the country asking what registration and team management platforms we use,” she said. “Without hesitation, I will recommend to the club admins that they consider SportsEngine because of the features it provides: the reporting, the ease of registration, the payment plans, and the support at implementation.”

SVSEF’s future plans include implementing SportsEngine Play to begin offering livestream, on-demand, and highlight reel options to its athletes and parents.

Brynn Mahnke

About Brynn Mahnke

Content Contributor at SportsEngine

Brynn Mahnke is a contributing writer for SportsEngine. She focuses on writing customer stories that share how people and businesses can leverage technology to bring insight and efficiency to everyday processes. In her spare time, you can find her playing soccer, running, or hanging out with her family.

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Homefield KC Elevates Tech at New Facility with SportsEngine’s Expertise

by Brynn Mahnke

Content Contributor at SportsEngine

July 16, 2024 | 5 minutes, 44 seconds read

At a Glance 

Homefield Kansas City’s state-of-the-art training facility offers athletes and spectators a pro-level experience across a variety of experiences like teams, coaching, tournaments, and more. They use SportsEngine’s Motion and Play to bring their technology stack up to the same professional level as the rest of their services.

Technology toolsChallenge: Provide professional sports experiences for athletes, parents, and coaches by simplifying registration, booking, and multi-sport scheduling. Additionally, offer live streaming and enhanced team management capabilities
Technology leaderSolution: SportsEngineMotion combines to provide one flexible, adaptable technology interface for Homefield KC’s evolving program. SportsEngine’s Play provides live streaming, clips, and pro-level content for athletes, parents, and college coaches
Live stream capabilitesResults: Homefield KC delivers an elevated experience for athletes, parents, and coaches with adaptable technology that evolves alongside their programs, catering to their changing needs

Intro:

Homefield Kansas City is a state-of-the-art training facility offering a professional-level experience to youth athletes in multiple sports. The facility recently unveiled a $60 million, 150,000 square-foot indoor sports arena, along with outdoor football and baseball fields. It offers a pro-level experience for both athletes and fans as its coaches teach athletes to become leaders both on and off the field.

Challenge:

Homefield KC began to provide a pro-level experience for both athletes and fans, elevating youth sports by providing the best in training facilities, coaching, and technology.


“Our goal was to find out: what can we be the best at? What can we do for our athletes, for our families, for all of the stakeholders?” said Dustin Lewis, president of Homefield KC. With a beautiful facility and a highly experienced coaching staff, the pro-level experience Homefield KC wanted to provide for its athletes and their families was hindered by only one thing: its technology.

While many technology solutions worked well for one area, all of them fell short of being capable of providing a single source for communication, payment, signing up for new events, and everything else Homefield KC wanted to offer its players.

“Our customers weren’t happy with us. We have to explain the technology, and you can’t really tell your customers that it’s not your problem. You can’t detach from the technology if it’s in your building. You own it. And we weren’t getting it right,” said Lewis.
 


“Finding technology that communicates clearly together in one seamless workflow has been transformative for how we do our business, and for how we communicate to our clients.” - Kelce Ahern, Director of Operations

Solution:

Enjoy a smooth experience with SportsEngine’s comprehensive solutions

Homefield KC wanted to provide an elevated experience for five key stakeholders: players, coaches, parents, officials, and college coaches. A large part of providing a pro-level experience involved perfecting the technology and providing access to next-level content and communication.

As a startup with a staff of just three people, Homefield KC didn’t have the resources to constantly put out technological fires. SportsEngine listened to the struggles Homefield KC has had with technology in the past and provided solutions for every problem Homefield KC was facing. After implementing all of SportsEngine’s integrated solutions, Homefield KC could put down the extinguisher.

“SportsEngine allowed us to quickly pivot and get some things right that we knew we were failing on,” said Lewis. Homefield KC found the multi-faceted solution it needed by implementing SportsEngine’s HQ, Motion, and Play.

With SportsEngine Motion, parents can easily register and pay for all the trainings, camps, and other experiences Homefield KC offers its athletes. Parents can track payments in the Motion app, view their payment history, or change their payment details, while coaches can easily message their players with reminders or other important information.

Another part of providing an elevated experience is providing video content for the people who matter most. SportsEngine Play offers live streaming and on-demand video, providing an accessible platform so family members can watch live games no matter if games are on the road, or at the Homefield KC facility.

“If parents can’t make it to every traveling game, they can still be there in a way that really makes sense,” said Lewis. College coaches can watch prospects in action, athletes can create their own highlight reels, and officials can improve their calls by reviewing game clips.
 


“SportsEngine does what it says it's going to do. The only way we’ve found to have reliable and scalable information, data, and technology is through SportsEngine.” - Dustin Lewis, President

Conclusion: 

Simplified tech integration boosts satisfaction for all

Now, when someone signs up for a tryout, they’re in the SportsEngine system and can easily sign up for individual lessons, teams, camps, or anything else Homefield KC offers. “It’s just one fluid process for them, and that’s unheard of in this world,” said Ahern. “We have one solution from start to finish, and that’s a game changer.”

And maybe even more important than the software is the human touch SportsEngine has provided throughout its relationship with Homefield KC, with on-demand customer service and creative problem-solving.

“At the end of the day, the software will be there, and that’s always evolving and changing. But if you have people you can trust, people you can call when a camera isn’t working on game day, and they actually pick up their phone, that’s bar none. SportsEngine has killed it on that,” said Lewis.

 

“We didn’t want to be handicapped by technology in what we could do, and we had big dreams and aspirations. Finding the right software to communicate clearly to our customers and parents was a difficult task, but we’ve found the solution with SportsEngine.” - Kelce Ahern, Director of Operations

Providing solutions for continued growth

Homefield KC has continued to add services and experiences for its players, and its relationship with SportsEngine continues to provide support for these experiences. “Every time we’ve added a layer on to what we do as a facility, SportsEngine’s been able to solve our problems and make a pathway to make it better than it was before,” said Lewis.

Homefield KC recently unveiled a new $60 million facility and is continuing to provide pro-level experiences for student-athletes in the Kansas City area. As it grows, it plans to continue using SportsEngine to provide a level of technology on par with the experiences Homefield KC offers its players.

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7 Ways to Grow Your Swim Club: Strategies for Success

by Jenna Hallen

Content Contributor at SportsEngine

June 25, 2024 | 3 minutes, 0 seconds read

Are you looking to expand your swim club and make a bigger splash in your community? Growing a swim club requires more than just filling lanes – it's about building a strong foundation, fostering a supportive community, and providing quality programming that keeps members coming back for more.

Here are a couple of things to keep in mind when coming up with your own strategy for growth:  

1. Define Your Club's Identity and Goals

Before diving into growth strategies, defining your club's identity and goals is essential. What sets your club apart from others? What values do you uphold, and who are you trying to attract? By clarifying your mission and vision, you can create a roadmap for growth that aligns with your club's unique identity.

2. Enhance Your Online Presence

In today's digital age, having a strong online presence is crucial for attracting new members and engaging with your community. Consider investing in a professional website using platforms like TeamUnify, a SportsEngine product that offers easy-to-use tools for managing sports organizations. Social media can also be a powerful tool for connecting with current and potential members, sharing updates, and promoting events.

READ MORE: Website Do’s and Don’ts >  

3. Develop Community Partnerships

Building strong partnerships within your community can help you reach new audiences and expand your club's reach. Consider collaborating with local schools, community centers, and businesses to host events or offer programs that introduce more people to the world of swimming. Sponsorships can also provide financial support and increase your club's visibility.

4. Provide Quality Coaching and Programming

Quality coaching and programming are at the heart of any successful swim club. Invest in experienced coaches and instructors who are passionate about helping swimmers of all ages and skill levels reach their full potential. Offer a variety of programs—from learn-to-swim classes to competitive training – to attract a diverse range of members.

READ MORE: How to Keep Your Classes Organized >

5. Focus on Member Retention

While attracting new members is important, retaining existing members is equally crucial for long-term growth. Create a positive and inclusive club culture that makes members feel welcome and valued. Consider implementing loyalty programs or incentives to reward members for their continued participation.

6. Invest in Facilities and Equipment

Your club's facilities and equipment play a significant role in attracting and retaining members. Ensure that your facilities are safe, clean, and well-maintained, and regularly update equipment to meet members' needs. As your club grows, consider opportunities for expansion or renovation to accommodate more swimmers.

7. Track Progress and Adapt Strategies

As you implement growth strategies, tracking your progress and adapting your approach as needed is essential. Use data and analytics to measure your efforts' success, identify improvement areas, and make adjustments accordingly. Stay flexible and responsive to changes in the market or community to ensure continued growth and success.

Utilizing modern technology can streamline your club’s operations and improve communication. TeamUnify, a SportsEngine product, offers comprehensive tools designed specifically for swim clubs. Our platform helps manage registrations, payments, and schedules, ensuring you spend less time on administrative tasks and more on coaching and development.

Jenna Hallen

About Jenna Hallen

Content Contributor at SportsEngine

Jenna Hallen is a content contributor at NBC Sports Next, working as a marketing intern. Jenna is currently pursuing her education at South Dakota State University, and fulfilling her dream of playing soccer at the Division I level.

When she's not in the office or on the soccer field, Jenna enjoys exploring the outdoors with her two border collies through walks and hikes. You might also catch her passionately cheering on her favorite Green Bay Packers football team.

Connect with Jenna Hallen

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SportsEngine and the United Soccer League Expanding Partnership to Include Streaming and Technology Agreement

MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. (June 20, 2024) – The USL Super League, a new Division One professional women’s soccer league beginning play in the U.S. this summer, and Peacock announced today that the streaming service will become the “Official Home of the USL Super League,” beginning in the league’s inaugural season. The multi-year agreement is the centerpiece of an expanded partnership with NBCUniversal that will see additional USL leagues and properties leverage NBC Sports Next’s SportsEngine Play streaming service and innovative digital products.

Contact us to learn more about SportsEngine’s technology >

Starting with the USL Super League’s weekend August 17-18, every regular season and playoff match – 115 matches, combined – will be available to stream on Peacock for fans in the United States.

Since 2020, Peacock has become a vital destination for soccer fans in the United States with its critically acclaimed coverage of the Premier League, Telemundo’s record-breaking Spanish-language coverage of the FIFA World Cup and soccer at the Olympic Games. The USL Super League is the newest addition to Peacock’s women’s sports offering, which includes the Olympics, FIFA Women’s World Cup, Big Ten basketball, championship golf, and more.

“We are thrilled to partner with NBCUniversal and Peacock to provide a world-class viewing experience for USL Super League fans across the country,” said Amanda Vandervort, USL Super League President. “NBC Sports and Peacock have raised the bar for soccer coverage in the United States, and their commitment to the USL Super League is a testament to what we are building. It affirms the Super League’s integral role in elevating women’s soccer and bringing more opportunities for players, coaches, and fans in the women’s game. Our matches will be easily accessible for fans in one place, and we look forward to working with Peacock to build the Super League into a global leader both on and off the field, while also partnering with NBC Sports Next’s SportsEngine Play to reach millions of young athletes and their families.”

The USL Super League is the newest professional women’s soccer league in the United States, sanctioned by U.S. Soccer to compete at the Division One level. The inaugural season features eight clubs: Brooklyn FC, Carolina Ascent FC, Dallas Trinity FC, DC Power FC, Fort Lauderdale United FC, Lexington SC, Spokane Zephyr FC, and Tampa Bay Sun FC. The Fall Schedule was recently released, featuring 14 matches per club between August and December, before the league will pause for a winter break.

The USL Super League media rights agreement is part of a newly expanded partnership between the United Soccer League and NBCUniversal. The partnership was established in 2021, when the USL engaged NBC Sports Next to launch a new digital network for the league and clubs. 

Key elements of the expanded partnership, beyond the USL Super League-Peacock agreement, include:

  • SportsEngine Play, NBC Sports Next’s first-ever streaming service dedicated to youth and amateur sports, is now the official home of the USL League Two and USL W League, the nation’s premier pre-professional leagues for men and women, respectively.
  • As an “official technology partner” of the USL, all USL Academy and USL Youth clubs have the opportunity to implement SportsEngine, the industry’s leading team and tournament technology for youth sports, into their operations. USL Youth includes nearly 600 teams and more than 9,000 players.
  • USL clubs and organizations also can take advantage of ClubBuy, the group-purchasing program managed by NBC Sports Next that can save users up to 20 percent off products and services they purchase to run their operations, including equipment, office supplies, wireless services, food, and much more.

“We’re extremely proud to be expanding our relationship with the USL, which focuses not only on reaching their passionate and supportive fans but also creating more access to great soccer competition for new audiences who love to play and watch the game, especially young people and their families,” said Will McIntosh, President, NBC Sports Next. “The USL will be a great complement to an already robust live sports offering on Peacock and SportsEngine Play, not to mention the training and development content included as part of a SportsEngine Play subscription.”

Combined, NBCUniversal platforms will stream more than 1,000 matches live or on-demand each year across the USL Super League, USL League Two, and USL W League.

Fans can view USL Super League matches and Peacock’s expansive live sports offering at www.peacocktv.com/sports. USL League Two and USL W League matches, as well as learn more about SportsEngine Play subscription options at www.SportsEnginePlay.com.

 

About NBC Sports Next 

NBC Sports Next is a subdivision of NBC Sports and home to all NBCUniversal digital applications in sports and technology within Golf and Youth & Recreational Sports. Known for its sports technology product innovation, NBC Sports Next equips more than 30 million players, coaches, athletes, sports administrators and fans in 40 countries with more than 25 sports solution products, including SportsEngine, an industry leader in youth sports club, league and team management technology and youth sports editorial content; SportsEngine Play, a first-of-its-kind subscription streaming service for capturing and viewing live and on-demand video of youth and amateur sporting events, and offering one of the industry’s most comprehensive collection of player development and training content; GolfNow, the leading online tee time marketplace and provider of golf course operations technology and services; and GolfPass, the ultimate golf membership that connects golfers to exclusive content, tee time credits, coaching, tips and other benefits. NBC Sports Next is fueled by its mission to innovate, create larger-than-life events and connect with sports fans through technology to provide the ultimate in immersive experiences.

About Peacock

Peacock is NBCUniversal’s streaming service providing audiences a singular, unmatched content destination. As one of the most complete streaming products on the market, Peacock offers exclusive breakout original series; more than 8,000 hours of live sports and entertainment programming; hit movies right after theaters from Universal Pictures, Focus Features, DreamWorks Animation and Illumination; next-day access to all new shows from NBC and Bravo; fan-favorite library content; daily live news; as well as live channels from brands including Hallmark and WWE. Built on the foundation of NBCUniversal with a spirit that is all Peacock, the platform delivers for its audiences with innovative technology, creative partnerships, and entertainment that is truly entertaining.

About the USL Super League 

The USL Super League is a Division One professional women’s soccer league kicking off in August 2024. The USL Super League’s vision is to be a global leader in women’s soccer on and off the field while providing more opportunities for more women in more communities. The inaugural clubs are Brooklyn FC, Carolina Ascent FC, Dallas Trinity FC, DC Power FC, Fort Lauderdale United FC, Lexington SC, Spokane Zephyr FC and Tampa Bay Sun FC. 

The USL Super League sits at the top the USL’s distinct youth-to-pro women’s pathway. The complete pathway includes the USL W League, the leading pre-professional women’s soccer league in the United States; the USL Academy, an advanced talent-development platform connected to professional and pre-professional USL clubs; and USL Youth, a premier national youth competition.

About the United Soccer League

Impacting more than 200 communities across the United States, the United Soccer League (USL) is the largest professional soccer organization in North America. The USL is the first and only soccer organization in the United States to build a youth-to-professional pathway for both women and men within one ecosystem. The ecosystem includes: 

  • USL Super League: A new Division One women's league kicking off in August 2024
  • USL Championship: The top men's professional league in the USL ecosystem with 24 clubs in 2024
  • USL League One: A fast-growing elite professional league with clubs in emerging mid-size and small markets
  • USL League Two: The nation’s premier men’s pre-professional league with 128 teams
  • USL W League: A national elite women’s pre-professional league with 80 teams
  • USL Academy and USL Youth: Elite talent development platforms
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7 Things to Consider When Looking for a Swim School Software Provider

by Jenna Hallen

Content Contributor at SportsEngine

June 14, 2024 | 3 minutes, 24 seconds read

In the competitive swimming world, efficient management of swim clubs can make all the difference in providing a seamless experience for athletes, coaches, and administrators. As swim clubs evolve, the need for robust software solutions becomes more evident. Whether you are starting fresh or looking to upgrade, here are seven critical factors to consider when choosing a swim club software provider.

1. User-Friendly Interface


A user-friendly interface is essential for both administrators and members. The software should be intuitive and easy to navigate, reducing the learning curve and minimizing the need for extensive training.

How SportsEngine Motion Supports You: Offers a clean, easy-to-use interface designed with both tech-savvy and non-tech-savvy users in mind, making it accessible for all club members and staff.

2. Comprehensive Features


Look for software that offers a range of features to manage all aspects of your swim club, from registration and payments to communication and scheduling. Comprehensive software can save time and reduce the need for multiple platforms.

How SportsEngine Motion Supports You: Provides a robust set of features, including registration management, payment processing, team communication tools, and scheduling, all in one integrated platform.

READ MORE: Consolidating Your Tech Stack-How and Why, it is Important >

3. Customization Options

Every swim club has unique requirements, so it’s important to choose software that can be customized to fit your specific needs. Flexible software allows you to tailor features to match your club’s operational style. This customization ensures that the software grows with your club and adapts to changing demands.

How SportsEngine Motion Supports You: With SportsEngine Motion you can customize various aspects of the software to align with your club’s branding and specific operational needs, ensuring a tailored experience.

4. Reliable Support:

Even the best software can encounter issues, and having reliable customer support is essential. Look for providers that offer comprehensive support options, including phone, email, and live chat. Additionally, consider the availability of training resources such as tutorials, webinars, and documentation to help your team get the most out of the software.

How SportsEngine Motion Supports You: SportsEngine Motion prides itself on offering exceptional customer support, with knowledgeable representatives available to assist you whenever you need help.

READ MORE: 6 Red Flags to Avoid with Class Management Software > 

5. Data Security

Protecting the personal information of your members is a top priority. Handling sensitive information such as member details, payment data, and performance records requires robust security measures. Ensure the software provider adheres to industry standards for data protection and offers features like encryption, secure payment gateways, and regular backups. 

How SportsEngine Motion Supports You: Implements stringent data security protocols to protect your members' information, giving you peace of mind that sensitive data is secure.

6. Integration Capabilities

Your swim club software should integrate seamlessly with other tools you use, such as accounting software, email marketing platforms, and social media. Integrating seamlessly with these existing systems can save time and reduce errors.

How SportsEngine Motion Supports You:  Offers seamless integration with various third-party applications, making it easier to manage your club's operations in a unified ecosystem.

7. Cost-Effectiveness

Finally, consider the total cost of ownership, including initial setup fees, subscription costs, and any additional charges for premium features or support. Consider scalable software, as it ensures you won’t outgrow the platform and can continue to use it as your membership and activities expand.

How SportsEngine Motion Supports You: Provides a comprehensive solution at a competitive price, offering excellent value for the features and benefits it delivers to swim clubs.

RELATED: 7 Things To Consider When Choosing the Best Sports Management Software > 

Jenna Hallen

About Jenna Hallen

Content Contributor at SportsEngine

Jenna Hallen is a content contributor at NBC Sports Next, working as a marketing intern. Jenna is currently pursuing her education at South Dakota State University, and fulfilling her dream of playing soccer at the Division I level.

When she's not in the office or on the soccer field, Jenna enjoys exploring the outdoors with her two border collies through walks and hikes. You might also catch her passionately cheering on her favorite Green Bay Packers football team.

Connect with Jenna Hallen

Schedule your free demo

Not on SportsEngine, yet? Fill out this form, and one of our experts will show you how we can take your organization to the next level.

 
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7 Additional Revenue Streams for Your Swim Club

by Jenna Hallen

Content Contributor at SportsEngine

June 1, 2024 | 3 minutes, 30 seconds read

Running a swim club involves significant operational costs, from pool maintenance and equipment to coaching salaries and event fees. To ensure financial stability and growth, exploring additional revenue streams is essential. By diversifying your income sources, you can support your club’s development and offer better services to your members. Here are some effective strategies to boost your swim club's revenue.

1. Host Swim Clinics and Camps

Offering specialized swim clinics and camps can be a lucrative way to generate additional income. These events can attract both current members and swimmers from other clubs. Focus on areas like stroke improvement, race strategy, and conditioning. By bringing in renowned coaches or partnering with Olympic swimmers, you can justify a premium price for these sessions.

2. Merchandise Sales

Selling branded merchandise is a great way to enhance your club’s visibility and generate revenue. Items like swim caps, goggles, T-shirts, and hoodies are popular among swimmers and their families. Consider setting up an online store through your club’s website. Using an integrated solution like SportsEngine Motion (formerly TeamUnify), you can easily manage inventory, process orders, and handle payments, ensuring a seamless experience for your customers.

LEARN MORE: How to Create and Maintain an Engaging Brand for Your Business

3. Sponsorship and Advertising

Local businesses often sponsor swim clubs in exchange for advertising opportunities. Create sponsorship packages that offer varying levels of exposure, such as logo placement on team uniforms, banners at meets, and mentions in newsletters and social media posts. With SportsEngine Motion's communication tools, you can efficiently manage sponsor relationships and deliver promised benefits, making your club an attractive partner for local businesses.

4. Facility Rentals

If your swim club has access to a pool during off-hours, consider renting it out to other groups or for private events. Swimming lessons, water aerobics classes, or birthday parties can be excellent ways to use the facility when it would otherwise be empty. Use a scheduling tool to streamline bookings and ensure there are no conflicts, maximizing the utilization of your pool.

LEARN MORE: Why Birthday Parties Are a Hit For a Youth Sports Venue

5. Fundraising Events

Organizing fundraising events like swim-a-thons, silent auctions, and community fairs can generate funds and foster a sense of community within your club. Promote these events through various channels to maximize participation. SportsEngine Motion's robust event management features can help you coordinate these activities efficiently, from planning and promotion to registration and payment collection.

WATCH NOW: Get an Overview of SportsEngine Motion's Fundraising Tools >

6. Digital Content and Online Courses

In the digital age, offering online courses and content can open new revenue streams. Create video tutorials, webinars, and training programs that swimmers can purchase and access online. Topics could range from technique improvement to fitness routines. A well-organized online platform, integrated into your club’s website, can facilitate easy access and payment for these digital products.

LEARN MORE: TeamUnify & USA Swimming Swim-A-Thon Webinar

7. Membership Tiers and Value-Added Services

Consider introducing membership tiers that offer additional benefits at higher price points. These could include private coaching sessions, nutrition and fitness consulting, or exclusive access to premium content. By providing more value, you can encourage members to opt for higher-tier memberships, increasing your overall revenue.

Leveraging Technology for Growth

Implementing a comprehensive club management system like SportsEngine Motion can significantly enhance your ability to manage these additional revenue streams. SportsEngine Motion's suite of tools includes online registration, billing, communication, and event management, all designed to streamline operations and improve member engagement. By integrating these features, you can focus on delivering exceptional experiences to your members while efficiently managing your club’s growth.

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Jenna Hallen

About Jenna Hallen

Content Contributor at SportsEngine

Jenna Hallen is a content contributor at NBC Sports Next, working as a marketing intern. Jenna is currently pursuing her education at South Dakota State University, and fulfilling her dream of playing soccer at the Division I level.

When she's not in the office or on the soccer field, Jenna enjoys exploring the outdoors with her two border collies through walks and hikes. You might also catch her passionately cheering on her favorite Green Bay Packers football team.

Connect with Jenna Hallen

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