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How to Grow a Sports Team and Get More Players Signed Up

Slobodan Bajuk

How to grow a sports team

Building a strong sports team isn’t just about coaching—it’s about getting players to sign up, keeping them engaged, and making your team a place where athletes want to be. If you're finding it hard to recruit new players or expand your roster, you're not alone.


The good news? With the right approach, growing a sports team can be simple and effective. Whether you run a youth soccer club, a community basketball league, or a travel baseball team, these strategies will help you increase sign-ups and build a thriving team.

Make Your Team Easy to Find Online

Most parents and players looking for a team start their search online—so if your team isn’t visible, you’re already at a disadvantage.

  • Set Up a Website: Even a basic site with your team’s name, contact info, and “How to Join” page will help you get discovered.

  • Be Active on Social Media: Post game highlights, practice clips, and player spotlights on Instagram, Facebook, and even TikTok.

  • Optimize for Search: When parents search for a team, they’re likely typing things like "youth soccer team in [your city]" or "basketball club near me." Make sure your website and social media bios include your location and sport, so you appear in relevant searches.

Pro Tip: Encourage parents and players to tag your team in posts—organic word-of-mouth is free marketing.


Get Involved in the Community

Your next players aren’t just sitting around waiting to find you—you need to go where they are.

  • Connect with Schools: Partner with local PE teachers or after-school programs to introduce your team to more kids.

  • Attend Local Events: Set up a booth at fairs, sponsor a charity run, or host a skills clinic to attract interest.

  • Offer Free Tryouts or Training Days: A no-pressure event lets kids experience your team before committing.


A local basketball team partnered with a rec center to run free weekend training sessions. Within three months, their sign-ups doubled.


Make Signing Up Easy

Even if someone is excited about your team, a complicated sign-up process will stop them from joining.

  • Use Online Registration Forms: No one wants to print and scan papers—keep it simple with digital forms.

  • Offer Flexible Payment Plans: If there are fees, allow payment options that work for families.

  • Follow Up Quickly: If a parent or player expresses interest, respond fast before they lose motivation.


How GameTime Helps: With scheduling, parent communication, and file management, GameTime makes it easy for new recruits to join, stay informed, and integrate into the team.


Let Your Players Help Recruit

Your current players are your best marketing tool—if they love your team, they’ll bring their friends.

  • Create a Referral Program: Offer a discount or team merch for players who recruit a new teammate.

  • Highlight Success Stories: Showcase players who improved their skills, built confidence, or moved on to higher levels.

  • Make It Fun & Inclusive: If kids love the team environment, they’ll naturally spread the word.


Players don’t just want a team—they want a place to belong. Make your team that place, and sign-ups will follow.


The Key to Growth: Visibility, Simplicity, and Community

How to grow a sports team comes down to three things:

  1. Be visible—online and in the community.

  2. Make joining easy—streamline sign-ups and communication.

  3. Create an environment people want to be part of—word-of-mouth is powerful.

If you focus on these, your team will grow naturally and stay strong for years to come.


Ready to expand your roster? Start using these tips today and watch your team thrive!


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