Little League Football Officers' Manual

04A   PUBLIC MEETING / RECRUITING THE COMMITTEE

Refer to

Introduction
Having decided to set up a new League, and obtained Local Authority support, the next step is to find suitable volunteers to form the nucleus of the League Management Committee. They will usually be the parents of potential players. Note that it is unusual for all the volunteers to be found immediately.

Local Organisations
The local authority Youth Service may know of likely recruits, and may be able to offer support through their mailings, personal contacts etc.  They can also be useful in seeking funding for equipment, etc, and later for finding players, so seek an opportunity to address them and their youth workers and enthuse them with the project. 

Active Residents’ Associations, local Churches and other religious groups, youth clubs and the like may also be supportive.

Taster Sessions
Advertise a series of free football sessions to local children with professional coaches on a turn up and play basis.  Explain the Little League Football Concept to parents and that this could be a permanent attraction if we can find volunteers.  Contact the NEC Football Development Officer for help and advice in organising Taster Sessions.

Children’s Ages
When forming a new League, it is easier to attract younger children, say Under 7 to Under 10 (school years 2 to 5), than older ones.  There is no reason why a new League cannot be formed around younger ages, playing Mini-soccer.  In due course, assuming the League continues to attract mostly younger children, the mini-soccer can continue with the new recruits while in due course, the older children graduate to 11-a-side football.

Public Meeting
A meeting of the volunteers that have been attracted so far can be expanded to encourage more people to come and support the venture.

• Book suitable meeting room within area. (See Section 8 for initial finance)

• Invite volunteers so far, parents of the children that have played at Taster Sessions, National Executive Committee and people from neighbouring Leagues. Also local Referees Society, Youth Groups, press, Local Councillors on Youth and Leisure Committees.

• Advertise the meeting through posters / handouts / local press and radio / local authority mailings / leaflet drops / schools / Youth Groups.

• Arrange visual aids (contact NEC for details).

A welcome
The LLF Concept
Finance
Committee positions and vetting
Slide show / video / power point presentations
Questions and Answers
Recruitment of Volunteers.