Small Group Training Management for Youth Gives Essential Extra Reps

For the younger athletes, private lessons can be effective if parents are willing to pay the price for them. However, at such a young age, most families opt out. They realize that only one lesson a week isn’t enough to grow their child’s skills. While more lessons are not financially feasible, the small group training management is a good alternative. 

To combat this issue, most facilities offer a lesson and rental package (e.g., batting cage rentals in a baseball facility). So parents can bring their children in to reinforce what they learned in the lesson. This is a great model and we highly recommend this option for sports-experienced parents. However, not all parents know enough to assist their child in the right way. 

We have a solution that will open additional revenue channels. And it gives parents the proper instruction their child needs at a price they can handle.

The Small Group Training Management

To be clear right off the bat – this model is specifically for younger athletes (i.e., ages 8-14). A small group “club” will give athletes more reps in front of a knowledgeable instructor. This reinforces good habits and form. 

Here’s how it works

In place of another lesson or two, facility owners open up small group classes. These are semi-private instruction lessons for 6-8 athletes. This small group offers each athlete some extra practice on their skill with direction from a trusted instructor. What’s more, these classes can be open for only those already in lessons, or to any young athlete looking for practice. All in all, it is an excellent way to keep athletes coming into the facility year-round and it is cost-efficient for the parents. 

Pricing 

“Club” classes can be treated like any other class in a facility. As a result, there are many ways to set up the price structure and packaging. While you can charge per class (especially for those non-lesson athletes just coming in for some instructed practice), the most common way it is done is in a package or membership format. 

• Package: Build out various pre-priced packages that fit each athlete’s needs 
  • (ex) 5 lessons and 5 club classes
  • (ex) 5 lessons and 10 club classes 
• Membership: Allow athletes to become “Club Members” and set monthly payments for unlimited classes (not including lessons) 

In facilities that have already implemented this small group training management, the average price is around $20 per class. Though you can make adjustments as needed for the package and membership options. 

Promoting Small Group Training

The most important thing a facility can do to make this model successful is to promote it properly. Make sure to have the private lesson instructors recommend the “club” classes to their younger athletes and those parents. Or, offer a free small group class to those coming in for lessons for the first time. The great thing about this “Club Model” is that the private lessons are a pre-built promotion source if used correctly. 

See additional tips on promotion and marketing in our previous post, “Sports Facility Marketing Through Your Staff.”

Instructor Benefits

Some instructors might wonder, “Why would I sell this to my clients and lose their business”?

Remind them, these clubs can lead to:

• new client opportunities,
• additional opportunities to build relationships with current clients,
• a higher rate of success with their client roster, and
• leads for referrals, testimonials, and more.

To add further incentive, offer a commission to your instructors for selling memberships and packages. 

The small group training management is a new perspective on group classes, but opens up endless revenue streams. Make sure to add variety of “club” type options. For example, baseball facilities can host Hit Club, Pitch Club, Glove Club, and countless others. See what lessons are popular in the facility and go from there. Parents will jump on the opportunity. The athletes will represent the facility through great performance and happy testimonials. 

For More Information

Use eSoft Planner to get small group training started in your facility as soon as possible.

Our built-in communication tools can help you with promotional and administrative steps. This includes customer outreach, social media, self-service registration and online scheduling. In addition, our expert team offers consultative customer support and industry best practices to help build your business.

Request a free demo to learn more about eSoft Planner’s flexible and affordable solution to optimize adding your club!