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This presentation by Tom Goodman delves into the merger process of three soccer clubs aiming to enhance their resources and competitive edge. Following dissatisfaction with their individual situations, Club A, Club B, and Club C explored merging to streamline resources and improve player development. Key topics include the rationale behind mergers, the importance of having a unified vision, and the challenges faced when negotiations led Club C to withdraw. Successfully, Clubs A and B merged, establishing a robust structure for a superior soccer organization that benefits members and players alike.
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The Club Merger Presented by Tom Goodman, M.Ed.
In the beginning…. The Idea The Decision Dec Jan Mar Feb
The Idea • Presidents of three clubs decided to visit the idea of merging…coming together • They began to research the idea and hired a consultant to provide some direction and expertise • They were dissatisfied with their individual club situations, as they existed, for various reasons
The Idea • The consultant provided research on the merger process for a variety of businesses • What are the reasons that businesses merge? • In other words…WHY MERGE?
Why Merge? • Groups merge to improve the quality of their business…to create a better organization • Groups merge to eliminate competition between each other • Groups merge to be more competitive with other groups (clubs)
Why Merge? • Groups merge to have more political power (with the state association; with the league, etc.) • Groups merge to get BIGGER • Larger pool of players…parity in playing levels; more talent • Larger staff…parity in coaching levels; more talent
Why Merge? Groups merge to share resources • Human Resources • Physical Resources • Financial Resources
Why Merge? • Human Resources • Technical staff … technical expertise • TD, Program Directors, Coaches, Referees • Administrative staff … administrative expertise • Office manager, Scheduler, Bookkeeper, Registrar
Why Merge? • Physical Resources • Programming (Rec, Jr. Academy, Academy, etc.) • Facilities (Land/fields, offices, indoor complex, etc.)
Why Merge? • Financial Resources • Fees • Other • Fund-raising • Sponsorships • Donations • Grants • Loans
Why Merge? • Consolidate resources: • Offices • Staff • Keep human resources: • Players • Coaches • Administrators • Referees
Why these clubs? • Club A (2500 players), Club B (2500 players) & Club C (3500 players) wanted to merge for all of the right reasons… • Let’s move forward in the process… • Could the clubs agree on the vision? Yes!
The Vision • Develop a full service soccer club with superior resources…human, physical and financial • Deliver cutting edge programming that provides players and staff the challenge and the opportunity to reach their potential
Why these clubs? • Could these clubs agree on the infra-structure? Yes!
Why these clubs? • Could these clubs agree on the Human Resources?... NO! • Human Resources? • Board? • Top Management?
Why these clubs? • Could these clubs agree on Financial Resources?... NO! • Financial resources? • How to merge the assets? • What to pay top management?
Why these clubs? • Club C decides not to be • part of the merger !
The Decision • The Boards of Club A and Club B meet and determine that they should merge…they can agree on the vision, the infra-structure, the human resources, the physical resources and the financial resources. • How to communicate to the memberships?
The Communication • The idea and the decision must be communicated to the memberships… • Mailings and Emails • Website information • Meetings and presentations
The Final Decision • The memberships of Club A & Club B vote to merge! YAHOO!
Let’s do it Execution Organization Programming Apr May Jul Jun
Execution • The Board is formed… • 5 current members from Club A • 5 current members from Club B • 1 neutral member with no club affiliation • Board Make-up… • Board members selected to give equal influence and power to both old clubs…instead of looking at the new entity as ONE New Club working together
Execution • The Board hires the consultant as the General Manager (GM) in April, 2006 to execute the merger • GM job description very clear on paper • Board responsibilities unclear…board members fall back to past practices
Defining the Club • Determine club’s name • Determine club’s new colors • Determine club’s new logo
Defining the Club • Determine, review and evaluate current sponsorships, equipment and insurance providers • Bring new equipment/gear sponsor on board
Operations • Review financial records of both clubs • Determine best way to combine the assets of the two clubs • Prepare budget for the new club
Organization • GM develops a quality professional relationship with the current Technical and Administrative staff • GM Observes and Evaluates the current technical and administrative staff • GM appoints the Technical Director • GM appoints the Director of Finance & Administration
Staffing • TD hires Program Directors • Program Directors hire coaching staff • Director of Finance & Administration hires program & office administrators
Relationship Building • Develop quality, professional relationships with town/city facilities managers. • City A Parks and Rec Department (city & school fields and a Sports Park) • City B Parks and Rec Department (city park fields and a Sports Complex)
Operations • Review current reporting/meeting structure and procedures; institute consistent reporting/meeting structure and procedures • Evaluate current technical programming and administrative policies and procedures… • coaching/player curriculum • operations manual
Operations • Meet the membership through personal field visits and informational meetings (keep lines of communication open)
Operations • Evaluate current field and office facilities. Consolidate office space…centralized office… • City A Office • Neighborhood office 1st level storefront • City B Office • Corporate office in office building
Communications • Develop a marketing plan to positively communicate potential programming and staff changes to the club’s membership • Coordinate try-outs (and scouting) to form the first merged select teams for the Fall 2006 season
Programming • Introduce and implement the following programs: • Jr. Academy (U5-U8 players) • Academy (U9-U12 players) • Sr. Academy (U13-U18 players)
Programming • Introduce and implement special programs: • Samba Program (U8 players) • Predator Program (U9-U10 players) • Camp Program • Coaching Education program
Programming • Bring Referee staff together from both clubs and determine consistent programming & organization for the new club • TD appoints Director of Referees
Result • Fall 2006…The kids are playing in the colors and under the name of the New Club • Fall 2006…The coaches are coaching in the colors and under the name of the New Club
Result • Fall 2006…the refs are officiating for the New Club • Fall 2006…the parents are watching
Lessons Learned • Board Make-up… • Enthusiastic people • Commitment to the vision • No personal agendas • Complimentary skills and talents
Lessons Learned • Clear, Consistent and Frequent Communication with… • Board • Staff • Membership • Community leaders and personnel
Lessons Learned • Administration… • Develop and utilize a “best practices” operations manual • Consolidate offices without delay
Lessons Learned • Human resources… • Assess needs quickly and assign staff appropriately • Ensure staffing is appropriate for the size of the program
Conclusion There are many challenges to the merger process. The success of a merger can only be achieved through securing the right resources… Human Physical Financial