Program Development Series – Post-Camp Parent Letter
In developing a truly successful and lasting basketball program, I feel that MANY opportunities pass coaches by to develop their program that; 1. We coaches don’t even see or think about, and 2. Don’t have anything to do at all with teaching the actual game. The “Post-Camp Parent Letter” is one of those things that I have used to help develop and enhance the standing of our program within our community.
(Actual Letter Attached)
A few years ago I started sending envelopes with type-written letters for the parents of our “campers” home on the last day with the kids and their t-shirts & awards/prizes. These letters were addressed to and written for the parents. It was a way to open communication with younger groups of parents in the community, as well as let them know they are appreciated and a huge part of the success of this program. If attendance at our home games is any indication of the success this letter was received with, then I would have to say it was very successful.
Some examples of how Program Development tactics like the “Post-Camp Parent Letter” have proven successful & useful:
Our season tickets are sold out before the end of the first week of the school year in August
We have fans that come to get their seats at 2:45pm on game days (school ends at 2:55pm) so they make sure they get a seat
We have to play our live stream out in the lobby so overflow fans that can’t get in can watch the game
Standing room only every home game, and portable bleachers brought in
Elementary kids lining up on the front edge of the stage during warm-ups to see the Varsity players up close & give them High Fives
Now, a quality “on-floor” product is of course needed to put some butts in the seats…but, there is no doubt that some of the Program Development ideas and items we use have bolstered our success and standing with our fans and community. Hopefully after reading the “Post-Camp Parent Letter” you will get some more ideas yourself to continue to develop a long-lasting and highly successful basketball program on and OFF the court!
Best Swishes,
Coach Brian Rea
Follow Coach Brian Rea on Twitter!!!
Head Boys Basketball Coach
Payson-Seymour High School (IL) – 105-39 Record in 5 seasons @ Payson / Elite 8 Qualifiers in 2013
Illinois Basketball Coaches Association Board Member (District 16)
Email: coachbrea3@gmail.com
Played College Basketball @ Quincy University (2 Years ’96-98) & Aquinas College (2 Years ’98-’00)
Head Basketball Coach for 10 Seasons and counting (All in the State of Illinois)
Have sent 7 players to play in College basketball programs
Personal Speed, Strength & Skill Trainer
Click on the pdf link to download the Post-Camp Parent Letter:
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