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Does anyone have any marketing ideas for youth basketball that have worked well for you? Our league needs to grow in the older divisions. Below 7th grade the numbers are great. From 7th - 12th grades, there is room to grow. Any ideas how to recruit players for this Jr NBA/WNBA recreational league from the middle and high schools?

Getting to the parents is the key, and making it something cool to do. Maybe you could collaborate with the local schools to hold an event (Globetrotteresque) to generate interest, and provide flyers that would go home with homework folders or school notes. Do the local schools communicate via email or electronically with parents? If so, try and link in with this communcation channel if possible. If your area has a big homeschool population, tap into the cooperative parent groups; they often look for good opportunities to get thier kids involved, particularly in physical activities. I am sure you have also tried local coaches and select teams, but recruit a few of them and they will bring their friends! Good luck!

I suggest that you create an e-newsletter that serves as an invitation as well (2 in 1). This should contain highlights on the progress of the current players of the league, player benefits, as well as the exposure they can get for being a part of the league (recruitment opportunities?). Information spreads faster online so send via: 1) Facebook posting Develop a facebook group for the league, select the network area, post the newsletter for public viewing - you are targetting parents and coaches in the area 2) Email blast To current contacts School coaches, ADs and Principals, PTA officers, etc 3) Twitter Traditional Communication 1) Sponsor a school events / event segment Sponsor a segment of school events so that the league has the opportunity to have the parent's undivided attention and be able to properly present. 2) Image building Upgrade the look of the organization by outfitting the league participants with Professional style uniforms, to show that the members of the league are at par with standards of high schools and collegiate teams. Player will feel and play like pro's. From our experience, this attracts more members to tournaments and leagues !! Hope this helps !

Advertise signups in local middle schools and high schools. Youth basketball players will be playing at that level later on. Bring in middle school and high school coaches to assist with making parents, coaches, administrators aware of the youth leagues and how they will represent schools later on. Sincerely, Monty

MAKE IT ATTRACTIVE. WHEN SENDING FLYERS AND/OR ADVERTISEMENT, POST TEAMS' NAMES ON FLYERS AND USE NBA/WNBA TEAMS NICKNAMES........LAKERS, CELTICS, ETC... COULD ALSO HAVE VISITS/CLINICS FROM RECOGNIZED PLAYERS AND/OR COACHES. SINCE IT IS RECREATIONAL, ASSURE MINIMUM PLAYING TIME AND MAKE RULES TO PROVIDE FOR SUCH. HAVE AWARDS FOR ATTENDANCE, SPORTSMANSHIP, ETC. HAVE LEAGUE PICNICS/EVENTS FOR PARTICIPANTS. OFFER VISITS BY NUTRITIONISTS, SPORTS' PSYCHOLOGISTS, PERSONAL TRAINERS, ETC... HOPE THESE WORK FOR YOU, IF NOT ALL, AT LEAST SOME..........SUCCESS TO YOU.

Reach out to your local neighborhood email groups and promote the sport through their existing email groups. These "blast" gain legs of their own and just keep going. The beauty of this is that there is very little cost. In addition to the "who, what, when, and where", I enourage you to briefly explain why your league is superior. For youth recreation leagues I stress that our coaches are all certified by the National Alliance For Youth Sports. This is very reassuring to parents that are looking for a safe and fun recreational program.

get name brand players (male and female) from the area to come help coach and/or do clinics. use Twitter and facebook a lot. on registration night have a get together for the kids with pizza, etc. could they get school credits for playing? or improve their school marks by participating?

have a warm up "fitness through dance" type of activity. Introduce "Zumba" (do websearch) as part of the registration night. make registration on line as well for those who can't arrive. video filming to review game play and post on youtube plys of the week on you tube

Teens like food. Everything from a small piece of candy to a large meal. Male teen never get enough food. I would ned more info on the what ans wherefores of the events. Are you asking for $ from the youth? BUT if there is food they will come.

1. Create a series of father and son activities: *lay- up competitions *father and son league *offer a basketball fundamentals workshop for them, parents bring the kids and stay with them while kids get interested in the sport - no charge, of course 2. Poster blast on local courts, places where pickup games happen in the community - find out who the ring leader is in each area and make them the champion to the initiative with incentive to them 3. Cross market to pre-existing youth programs in the city for siblings etc.....

Pass out fliers to all local school districts advertising free clinic . Schools will always cooperate if activities are free. Make the clinic fun and interesting along with stressing fundamentals especially drills kids can practice on their own at home, on the playground or in the gym. This will help bulid their confidence in developing skills necessary to become competitive in the sport. During the clinic offer some open court time where kids can come ,do some warmup drills and then just play some pick-up games for fun. This will form the foundation for creating organized leagues and tournaments. Contact your local Subway, I am sure they would be interested in providing food and drink for the clinic without charge in return for passing out coupons or other types of sponsorship opportunities. If your leagues do not already give out awards, start doing so and make sure everyone receives something even if it is only for participation. Kids love to hang plaques and place trophies in their rooms. I previously owned a hockey rink and by employing these strategies I was overwhelmed by the response and actually had to break up clinic into several sessions over several different days. Hopes this helps. Best of Luck.!!!!!!!!!

Host an all-nighter basketball clinic, similiar to an Operation Night Hoops. Have local law enforcement serve as mentors and chaperone the event. Also try advertising on popular local radio stations in your area or ask to use marquees of local businesses that cater to youth or are on a street frequented by youth.