If you haven’t already done them, I’m sure you’re bracing for them. Maybe one – maybe several.
I’m talking end-of-season events.
These days, when we talk end-of-season events, I think we’re usually thinking about something big: The Open, All Star Worlds, Cheerleading Worlds, Summit, The One, etc. (Yes, there are more out there as well!)
But 10 years ago, back when level 5 was every kid’s dream and goal, end-of-season events looked different for a lot of us small gyms.
In those years, I would have never considered getting new practicewear for our destination practice, flying with my youth team halfway across the country or hiring the choreographer to return for upgrades.
Cheerleading has changed. A lot.
For those who are doing your budget right now trying to figure out how to charge parents for those “normal” expenses, I’m here to tell you – they didn’t used to be “normal” for most programs. If you’re looking at the rising gas prices – some of which are $7/gallon or more (and I’m even talking about here in the U.S.) you may need to consider changes for next season.
At my gym, some of those expenses came slowly. We started by hiring a choreographer to return for upgrades back in 2015. Then, in 2017, we did cross-country travel. By 2018, we had end-of-season practicewear, which was different from the next-season practicewear parents would be paying for just a few months later. It seemed by 2019 everyone was attending an elaborate end-of-season event.
So if you’re struggling with your budget for next season and still want to offer some of those options, here are ways to make them a bit more affordable for your families.
- Consider tank tops that go over your current practicewear. This year we are doing black All Star Worlds tanks that we’ll put over our current practicewear instead of a full practice set for one event.
- Talk to your choreographer a lot. Getting a choreographer to return to the middle of Missouri mid-season is super expensive for us. So, when they do initial choreography, I let him or her know I’d like options that can be increased for difficulty throughout the year. Then, I listen and take notes. This year, our choreographer was fantastic! He said, “OK, once they’ve got this skill, you can do this to make it a little harder.” Many choreographers will also offer virtual options. While I’d rather have someone in-person too, this is a big area to save for your families.
- Consider a different type of end-of-season event! For several years, we attended theme park events. These were perfect as our kids would compete and then spend the rest of the day riding the coasters.
- It doesn’t matter what event you go to – as long as YOU make it special. When we competed in Memphis last month, I booked a birthday party at Main Event. When they asked who the birthday child was, I answered, “Her name is Twisters. I’ll have up to 45 kids.” Parents paid $20 a piece and their kids got to play and eat a slice of pizza. We’ve also done team dinners, rock climbing, ice skating and bowling. It doesn’t matter what you do as long as you create memories.
So if you’re thinking there’s only one way to end a season – start getting outside the box. You may need to do this to save your families some money next season. Maybe it will save your sanity. Your program doesn’t need to look like any other program. In fact, you should find what makes your gym unique and embrace it! Don’t compete for rings and jackets with a gym down the street. Compete with yourself on your own retention rates season after season. Ask your families what they want and what matters most to them! It might surprise you.
