Most of the clubs in the QCSA began as a team of mates or kids from the same church into big clubs (some with over 50 teams). It is not a requirement that a club be sponsored by a Church, but it is certainly recommended and there are only a number of places available for those that aren’t. There are two types of membership available:

• Full Membership (clubs sponsored by a church).

• Approved Membership (clubs not sponsored by a church).

Whichever way you intend to go, you basically need to start of the same way: You will need to call a meeting and get all those interested together to thrash out your ideas and get a plan on paper of the directions you intend to take. QCSA suggests that the following 4 things are the first things worked on and will form the basis of how you make your further decisions.

• Develop a Mission Statement (keep it fairly simple).

• Develop your objectives (what do you want to achieve through your soccer club).

• Develop your organizational goals (what goals will help you achieve your objectives).

• Develop your action plan (steps to achieve those goals).

One way to help you reach those decisions is to use the S M A R T principle. Make sure all your decisions meet these 5 guidelines.

• Specific

• Measurable

• Achievable

• Realistic

• Time

Also remember that a plan is not final. It is living and review and update regularly.

It is then very important to work out the rules / constitution under which your club will operate. By having these in place, everyone will be on the same page and working together.

Will you decide to have the protection of incorporation or operate as an unincorporated club? QCSA recommends incorporation, but in saying that it is important that you seek the opinions of those with a lot more legal experience and expertise that I have. Whether you decide for incorporation or not, it is still important that you develop a constitution and by-laws for your club. It will give your club a structure upon which to build.