It is unfortunate that season-ending parties are usually thrown together at the last minute, often by coaches who don’t have much time. With a little planning ahead by coaches or by parent volunteers, those parties can be much more enjoyable for parents and kids. AND much less stressful.
However, if you are in charge of the party, you can begin planning other things: trophies, coach’s gifts, other program ideas, and invitations. With SignUpGenius to help, you can actually assign tasks with a well-cushioned deadline so that many of the variables will already be taken care of. Then, as soon as it is possible, choose a date for the actual party, knowing that half the work has already been done.
• Restaurant party. Contact them for group packages and reservations. The old standby is pizza, but you could look for other places with buffets or games.
• Ice Cream Social. Who says the end-of-season party has to be a meal? Why not have a dessert party where each person builds his own Sundae?
• Dessert Potluck. Everyone brings a favorite dessert.
• Potluck at the community center or school cafeteria. Although this is a bit on the predictable side, it is still a viable option. Be sure to incorporate SignUpGenius in this for planning ease.
Coordinate carpool schedules, snack rotation or concession volunteers with sign ups. GET STARTED
• Highlight video. It may take some time and planning, but a video including photos and/or clips set to music is always a winner.
• Recognitions. Recognize the coach or each player by passing a ball and taking turns saying what you like about the coach, season, or team.
• Certificates. If you decide your team is not a trophy-for-everyone team, then how about certificates made on the computer for each child? Give each child a fun nickname related to their performance in the season. It’s a great way to make kids feel special.
Collect money for the coach's gift or team party using a sign up. GET STARTED
With a little pre-planning, your child’s end-of-season team party can be more than just an afterthought, it can be a real celebration that both parents and kids enjoy.
Janis Meredith writes Jbmthinks, a blog on sports parenting and youth sports. After being a coach's wife for 27 years and a sports parent for 17, she sees issues from both sides of the bench.