Ten Ways to Grow Leisure Programs

Are you looking to take your club's program participation to new heights? Do you want to attract new faces, increase member engagement, and create a vibrant and thriving community? With the right strategies and quality amenities, you can transform your club into a hub of activity and ensure that your programs are well-attended and cherished by members.

In this blog post, we will explore a range of proven strategies that can help you boost program attendance and foster a sense of belonging among your members. From leveraging cutting-edge communication systems to focusing on non-players and novice programs, we'll provide practical insights and actionable tips to ignite the excitement within your club.

Additionally, we'll delve into the importance of interdepartmental collaboration, recognizing member participation, and delivering wellness programs that cater to the diverse dimensions of well-being. By implementing these strategies, you can create an inclusive and engaging environment that appeals to both existing and prospective members.

So, whether you're a fitness club, sports center, or recreational facility, get ready to revitalize your programs, attract new faces, and witness a surge in member involvement. Let's dive into the strategies that will bring your club's programs to life and enhance the overall experience for everyone involved.
Cutting-edge Communication Systems:
Utilize modern communication methods to reach your target audience effectively. Develop a dedicated club app, providing members with convenient access to current programs, reservations, and lesson bookings. Implement prominent digital display boards that can be easily updated to showcase text, pictures, and videos of various leisure activities. Leverage systematic phone calls to reach out to prospects and new members, personally welcoming them and inviting them to participate.

Focus on Non-Players and Novice Programs

Tap into the potential of individuals who are not currently involved in your club's activities. Prioritize promoting and nurturing novice players instead of solely focusing on experienced players. Ensure you have qualified staff members who possess the patience and skills to make beginners feel comfortable. Encourage novice players to participate in dedicated programs and events where they can learn and socialize with fellow beginners.

Engage New Members with Committees and Programs

Inject fresh energy and ideas into your club's programs by involving new members in committees and activity planning. Empower them to create original formats and take ownership of these activities, as their enthusiasm can attract more participants. If a particular program has mediocre attendance, consider changing instructors to revitalize interest and engagement.

Deliver Consistent Fitness Orientations

Regularly conduct fitness orientations to ensure smooth operations and enhance program participation. These orientations should cover essential topics such as safety, cleanliness, and equipment usage. Besides providing a chance for members to meet and greet, orientations should focus on educating individuals about how to safely utilize all fitness machines. By offering comprehensive information, members can optimize their workouts and achieve better results, leading to increased satisfaction and retention.

Schedule ROGY Events

Organize ROGY events (Red, Orange, Green, and Yellow) to engage children of different ages and skill levels in tennis. These events allow children to progress from larger, easier-to-handle balls to standard yellow balls as they develop their skills. Conduct these events in a time-efficient manner, ideally in a single morning or afternoon session. Additionally, consider scheduling complementary leisure programs for parents to create a family-oriented club experience.

Rotate Class Schedules

Introduce new days or times for popular program formats to attract new participants. Consider offering classes that cater to the tight schedules of working individuals. Temporary schedule changes can help gauge interest and encourage new attendees to adjust their schedules to continue participating in programs they enjoy. Regularly review the effectiveness of new schedules to optimize participation.

Trial Experiences

Allow prospective members to try out programs before committing to a membership. Offer complimentary group fitness classes or free half-hour lessons to provide individuals with a positive initial experience, increasing the likelihood of their return and subsequent enrollment. Inform instructors in advance about first-timers to ensure a welcoming and successful trial.

Interdepartmental Collaboration

Encourage collaboration and synergy among different departments within your club. While golf may be a prominent focus, allocate attention and resources to other areas as well. Foster cross-departmental coordination to schedule complementary programs and events. For instance, combine golf, swimming, and tennis activities to create engaging programs for all members. When directors actively support and participate in other departments, it reinforces a sense of unity and encourages broader participation.

Recognize Member Participation

Show appreciation for members who actively participate in club programs. Express sincere gratitude to attendees at the end of each program. Recognize individuals by featuring their names and pictures on bulletin boards, newsletters, or the club's website, regardless of specific achievements. By acknowledging their presence, you make members feel valued, strengthen rapport, and ultimately increase their participation.

Deliver Wellness Programs

Tap into the growing wellness trend and capitalize on the opportunity it presents for your club's amenity programs. Wellness encompasses physical, intellectual, spiritual, social, occupational, and emotional dimensions. Employ a dedicated wellness director who can disseminate valuable information and attract expert presenters. Broaden your wellness programming beyond fitness and spa services, identifying new club opportunities that promote overall health and engage members in diverse activities.

Final Thoughts

Furthermore, tapping into the growing trend of wellness programming allows your club to cater to the holistic well-being of members. By offering diverse wellness activities and bringing in expert presenters, you can provide a comprehensive range of opportunities that promote physical, intellectual, spiritual, social, occupational, and emotional wellness.

Remember, the journey towards increased program attendance and member engagement is an ongoing process. Continuously evaluate the effectiveness of your strategies and adapt to the changing needs and preferences of your members. By staying proactive and responsive, you can ensure that your club remains a dynamic and thriving community for years to come.

So, start implementing these strategies today and watch as your club becomes a hub of activity, attracting new faces, and fostering a strong sense of community and participation. The possibilities are endless when you prioritize quality amenities, innovative approaches, and member-centric experiences. Get ready to witness the transformative power of these strategies and take your club to new heights.