While futsal remains a relatively new effort in this country, its ranks are growing.  They will continue to grow as well.  In effort to speed its growth, futsal organizers can do well to follow the recommendations of those in the business world. 

Let's put it this way:  many times in sport, we tend to take the approach of "if we build it they will come."  Or in sports vernacular, if we offer a league, then people will join.

But in the business world, its not quite that simple.  There are many competitors, just as there are in sports.  Today, there are many activities, leagues, school functions and the like all vying for the attention of potential participants.  So the principle of "if you build it, they will come" becomes increasingly difficult to support.  Indeed, it takes a great deal of recruitment and promotion, and even better "the free prize."

Seth Godin, a well known business author talks about the idea of the "free prize inside."  At one point or another, most of us have bought a box of cracker jacks.  And may I ask why?  Think about it--for caramel corn packed inside of a box for who knows how many months?  No, for most of us, we are willing to pay dearly for that box of cracker jacks because when we buy it, we get the free prize inside.  Think about your own experience and the allure of "free."  It is that little bit "extra" that makes us want to join, to be consumers, to go through the gates.

The principle of "free prize" needs to be applied to so much of our leagues, tournaments and club.  We need to ask ourselves the question of "what do we give people when they join?"  And when I say give, I mean give.  It may be something simple:  a certificate of participation, a medal for being on the team, a t-shirt, a ball--the list goes on.  It is that type of creativity that will spur our teams, leagues and tournaments to greater growth.

By the way, the advice in this blog is free.

--William High is a freelance writer.