If your team chooses
to make your banner, design it during practice, getting suggestions from
parents and players. The kids love to get involved. Purchase materials
needed: felt (inexpensive type) and seam binding, PVC pipe, paint, etc.
Collect contributions from players parents to help defray the costs. Sizes
vary, but the usual is about 3' x 4'. Use team colors, include the team
name, symbol, players names, coaches names, team parent name, and sponsor
name (if applicable).
Someone from your
team (check with your coach, he/she may already have one) will need to
supply a banner stand. These can be made quickly and inexpensively using
PVC pipe.
At the end-of-the-year
party, the banner can either be raffled off, or cut up and each player
given his/her name from the banner.
Refreshment
Schedule
Each game, some member
of the team should bring refreshments for half-time and for after the game.
As a courtesy to the coach, please refrain from including them in the half-time
and end-of-game refreshment schedule, unless they specifically request to
be included.
Suggested items are
quartered oranges for half-time, iced drinks for after the game (bring
extra for coaches) and a snack for after the game (granola bars, etc).
It's also a good idea to bring extra if it looks like your team has a
lot of younger siblings.
It works well to
note on the game schedule each players name next to the game date he/she
is to bring refreshments, then photocopy the game schedule for each player.
This way, the refreshment schedule is on the same piece of paper as the
game schedule.
Call the assigned
player/parent no later than Thursday of the stated week to remind them
of their turn to bring snacks.
If no one has brought
refreshments, notify the snack bar or other team parents of your need
as soon as you realize there is none. Don't wait until the games have
started to take care of the situation.
End-of-Season
Party
This is one of the most
(if not the most) important events during the entire soccer season. Each
child eagerly anticipates the end-of-season party and although we do not
require it, we greatly encourage every team to have some sort of get together
at the end of the season.
Ask parents to pitch
in and share the cost. Use this time to present awards to players and
gifts to coaches. One helpful suggestion to save money for the party is
to have a collection can (goal jar) at each game day throughout the season.
Each time a goal is scored by your team, a contribution (usually a quarter)
is made by each team member's family. this money is usually held by the
team parent and helps defray the cost at the end of the year.
Pizza - Try to go
to a restaurant sponsoring AYSO soccer if possible. Phone a couple weeks
ahead (if possible) to reserve places. Be sure to announce an ending time
so that you are not waiting for kids to be picked up. Better yet, make
it a family affair.
Picnic - Have a potluck/barbecue
at the park or someone's home following your last game. Plan some activities
to keep things interesting.