July had become our new vacation month. After years of dodging August “dog days” in Lake George, New York, our family had to adjust to a new schedule. Beginning in 1995, August revolved around high school fall sports and their preseason practices. So over the years, while our four were involved in soccer, field hockey, and flag football during the month of August, I got involved with the various team booster clubs. While the kids were running, lifting weights, sweating and practicing, I was busy with the Boosters planning activities for the season. High school sports clubs, if run with spirit and enthusiasm, are a great means of boosting team spirit.
Between our four children and all the various sports, we’ve had superstars and dugouts. However, I think everyone would agree that team sports in general were a great experience. By broadening the focus of the various high school sports clubs from fundraising to “fun-raising,” these organizations can enhance the team experience and foster team spirit. Booster clubs can help each player feel a sense of belonging. Over the years, our Booster Club activities have ranged from Team Tailgates to gate decorations, player giveaways and launch parties. By providing a balance between fun and the rigors of athletics, booster clubs can spread team spirit. It takes time and energy to prepare a pregame breakfast for 80 football players, but it’s worth the effort. What started as a pre-playoff event, turned into a weekly Saturday morning coffee house hosted by dads! It was such a success that by the time my youngest was playing, we could have opened a restaurant. For Friday night games, we host “after tour” dinners on Thursday nights.
Our girls were not left out in the cold. Soccer and field hockey benefited from the energies of the booster clubs. They had a family kickoff party. Funds are lacking…we improvise and assign a category to each grade; desserts, drinks or salads. Seniors exempt! We use funds from the booster club for the pizzas. It was the perfect compromise! For added fun, we let kids design team practice jerseys, complete with their own slogan. They were meant for the practice field, but the kids used them everywhere. We made “pride pins” with the team mascot, player name and number for the parents. These buttons were so popular that they found their way into locker rooms and a generic version turned out to be a great fundraiser for the club!
So when your son or daughter hits the practice field this August, find out who runs their team booster club and volunteer. Your child will appreciate it, you’ll enjoy it, and you’ll have a new group of friends by the end of the season. We still have “team reunion” parties with one of our support groups and it’s been 6 years. Check out some more fun team spirit ideas at Online Celebration Ideas Team Spirit Ideas