If you’re involved in grassroots sport, particularly football, you’ll be well used to coming across club websites which are neglected, unfinished or even non-existent.
If you’re guilty of this then to put it bluntly, it’s really time you did something about it! Put yourself in the position of potential new players or even sponsors when looking at your site. If your site is rubbish, then what does it say about your club?
Why Are Club Websites So Important?
Think of your website as your online club house. The main hub of all of your club’s online activity. You wouldn’t let your club house fall into ruin and be unfit for purpose, so the same should apply to your website.
Too many club websites are left completely neglected and unloved. Fixture lists from three seasons ago, broken links, low quality imagery and out of date home ground locations do not exactly scream “forward thinking club”.
Your website is often the first place someone will land when considering getting involved with your club. So make sure it leaves a good impression. It might be the difference between a new player signing up or heading elsewhere.
It’s also the first port of call for any local media who might want to work with the club or be looking for match reports. And imagine missing out on a potential new sponsor because of the state of your website.
Club Website Must-Haves
As mentioned above, keep your fixture lists and league tables up to date. This is important for your own players as much as anything. It’s not always easy to find this info elsewhere, so to put it all in one place they can routinely come back to.
You might want to include player/coach profiles and statistics. Keeping player statistics up to date will give the site a personal touch and keep your players coming back for more as they will make up the majority of your traffic.
Make sure links to social media and your club shop are clear and obvious. And since we’ve mentioned them, read about our tips on social media and online stores.
It also goes without saying that you should include up to date contact information and make sure it’s easy to find. The last thing you want is missing out on a game-changing player, or perhaps more importantly a new sponsor, because they can’t get in touch with you.
How to Build a Website
Sounds daunting doesn’t it? You need a tonne of skills to successfully run a grassroots football club, or any sport for that matter. But not many have to technical skills to create a fully functioning and attractive website.
Worry not. There are loads of services out there that do the hard work for you. Many of them offer a variety of templates that just need your club info adding before they are ready to go.
We reckon one of the very best, particularly for football clubs is Pitchero. But they are far from the only one. Have a good Google and find the one that’s best for you.
