GETTING INTO SCHOOLS
How do we approach schools to get a Footy program running in their school?
Leverage existing relationships:
Teachers at footy clubs, friends who are teachers, kid’s schools. Get into their schools.
Emails:
Compile a database of emails for a family of schools. Can drip feed emails with advertising, availability, success stories. Emails can include:
- Principal/staff emails.
- School Emails – Generally monitored by office staff.
- School Council/Parent Advisory Committee emails – Generally have a big say on what happens in the school and fund events.
- Generally the emails are all structured the same (firstname.lastname@schoolboardsuffix.ca) or something along those lines – easy to find on the school’s website.
Drop Ins:
Simply pop into the school – Chat with the Principal outlining the program benefits, set a time to catch up or leave promotional material.
Referrals:
Leveraging existing contacts to refer you to other schools in the area who would benefit from these sessions.
Calls:
Calling the school, good for following up with people you’ve been in contact with. Can generally reach more schools in less time.
Sample Sessions:
Do a half/day free or with one class to show the school what it would look like to get them to commit to a longer program.
Conferences:
School boards and PE societies will often have a yearly conference where vendors/presenters are invited.
Social Media:
Schools are generally active on Twitter so having a presence there is key.