Ku-ring-gai STEALERS Strategic Planning at grass roots May 2004 Rob McCluskey - President

Strategic Planning at grass roots Why it happened? How was it done? Who was involved? What did it produce? How is it used? What benefits already? What benefits in future?

…. but first some background on STEALERS Golden Jubilee & Cliff Oval, Wahroonga Formed in junior players - at peak 300 juniors – at present 23 Junior & 6 senior teams Ryde Hornsby & Pacific Coast $$ in the bank Sleeping giant

Why it happened …. …. sleeping giant … …. sleeping giant … Always - good old days Knew we had to do something Potential & been there previously New members - foresight & energy …. make it the best club around …

How was it done …. Small strategy team (2) Gather thoughts & feedback SWOT analysis - 3 x 2hr sessions Brainstorm – in an ideal world Rehash a couple of times to confirm

Who was involved …. Facilitator …. plus.. Bit of research Cross section of (9) interested people Parents that wanted it to work Life Member, President, Executive, Age Co-ordinators, Parents, Senior players, Coaches, Umpire etc

What did it produce … Strategic Plan Plans, directions & clearly defined key objectives / strategies Vision anyone who is interested in Baseball in our surrounding area, irrespective of skill level or age, will have the continual opportunity to participate in baseball through the provision of efficient management, events, services and information. anyone who is interested in Baseball in our surrounding area, irrespective of skill level or age, will have the continual opportunity to participate in baseball through the provision of efficient management, events, services and information.Mission does not have an aim to create a Baseball Champion but as a result of the environment and facilities provided, the production of many Baseball Champions is inevitable does not have an aim to create a Baseball Champion but as a result of the environment and facilities provided, the production of many Baseball Champions is inevitable aims to be the premier Baseball Club within our district in Sydney, NSW, & Australia aims to be the premier Baseball Club within our district in Sydney, NSW, & AustraliaValues support the knowledge that ‘our club prospers when people work together and support each other’. support the knowledge that ‘our club prospers when people work together and support each other’.

How is it used …. Key result (x9) areas …… 1. Management 1. Management 2. Marketing 3. Communication 4. Coaching 5. Team Officials & Parents 6. Player Participation 7. Player Development 8. Events 9. Facilities & Miscellaneous Reference point – not just dumped on the table Small tasks - complete the bigger picture Quarterly progress update; simple approach

What benefits already …. Buy in by parents Sense of direction & planning Extensive Marketing & profile 8 Level 1 coaches & 15 Level 0 umpires Head Coach & Club Coaching Development Prog 34 roles filled from floor at AGM Events & Gala Days Capital expenditure Interest from many others …. I want to be a part of it….

What benefits in future …. More ‘baseball families’ Professional Legacy – others following to gain benefits More skilled players - all levels $$ capital expenditure - infrastructure $$ sponsorship - opportunities Limited by numbers – grounds …. like a golf club …. waiting list

So what does all this mean??? Take a corporate approach Find the ‘corporates’ – let them play! Think mid & long term Act on bite sized issues Find a solid core of volunteers Force the layer above to be professional Try your own version of this approach Share the experiences with others ….. Yes …. You can do it at the grass roots Act now!!! …or others will take the initiative