Youth Select Soccer Costs Explained

Released on = July 3, 2005, 10:41 am

Press Release Author = Tom Harmon

Industry = Non Profit

Press Release Summary = An explanation of the costs associated with supporting a select soccer team/club in North Texas

Press Release Body = The costs associated with supporting any select soccer are mostly fixed and should be generally the same across clubs. Only a few of the costs are variable and these are the ones you should be looking at most closely as members
to determine whether you are paying for additional value or are simply paying extra to improve someone's lifestyle. Also, YOU have the right (by law) to see what the club is collecting and spending! Remember, soccer clubs are non-profit entities and
are NOT allowed to purposely generate profit for themselves. That doesn't mean it doesn't happen especially if you have a board that is not necessarily representative of the membership. The tax laws COULD hold the board personally liable, however. In
any case, this cost guide will help you understand what the real costs are and how they are broken down so you can stay on top of things.

Generally, the following costs are associated with playing competitive soccer in North Texas. Amounts collected vary from Club to Club, but should not be in excess of what is actually needed to pay for the team’s expenses. Again, as a non-profit organization, which soccer clubs are, revenue should not exceed expenses. Non-profit organization’s are not intended to be a money making entity for any one individual
or individuals.

Examples of common per player expenses:

-Club Dues

-League & Tournament Fees

-Coaching Fees

-Uniform Fee - This is determined by the Club.

Detailed breakdown at www.pumasfc.com

*When reading over the NTSSA fact sheet received at any tryouts look over what the total cost to play does not include. Many times, Clubs or teams will list indoor fees, uniform fees and tournament fees as additional costs not included in the base fee per player to play. Don’t forget to ask how many out of town tournaments the team will be traveling to also. These tournaments may or may not be within a
reasonable driving distance and therefore require an overnight stay at a hotel in addition to meal fees while out of town.

*Additional Club Dues, not mentioned above, which can significantly raise player fees, can include DOC (Director of Coaching) Fees, DOC (boys), DOC (girls), Field Development Fees. In addition to these, some Clubs also use Club members monies to help defray costs associated with their Academy programs, such as brochures & t-shirts. While this is ok if the Academy and the Club have joint non-profit status
under the umbrella of one application with the IRS, it is another issue if the Academy is in no way a part of the non-profit designation the Club has received from
the IRS (especially if the Academy is for profit to an individual or individuals and funds are swept between the two). Remember, just because the name is the same doesn’t mean they are the same per IRS rules and guidelines. In reality, if your fees are being used for the benefit of another entity, you are paying too much. In a true non-profit organization……..revenue cannot exceed expenses and you have every right
to know.

Why would you be paying more?

There could be many reasons, but here are a few to watch out for:

-Is there an individual with influence (or more than one) depending on the club for their livelihood?
-Are you subsidizing other teams within the club?
-Are you in a club where a significant portion of the membership might normally play recreational soccer and is paying a premium for the select experience?
-Is there high team/player turnover within the club (i.e. teams staying only one year and then leaving)?

These reasons are certainly not meant to be comprehensive nor mutually exclusive, but you can easily determine your situation by requesting and receiving the club information that is due you BY LAW.

For more select soccer facts visit www.pumasfc.com

Web Site = http://www.pumasfc.com

Contact Details = P.O. Box 936, Keller, TX 76244