The Strategy
The Tone
Expert, high-energy, and focused on "The Next Level." Every sentence should reinforce: this is a serious, professional program.
The FOMO Element
Always include a "Skill of the Month" breakdown. While their current coach runs scrimmages, SF Champions is teaching pro-level strategy.
The Audience
Send to current AND former families. One list. The content is designed to serve both — current families feel valued, former families feel the pull.
The Monthly Template
Five sections — fill in the highlighted fields and send. The structure never changes; only the content does.
Subject: The Lab Report: High School Readiness & SF Champions Updates 🏀
1. Director's Note
At SF Champions, our [grade] seasons aren't just about winning trophies — they're about preparing for the speed and IQ of High School basketball. This month, we've seen incredible growth in our players' ability to [specific skill/observation]. Keep pushing.
2. Skill of the Month: "[Skill Name]"
This month, our Elite teams are mastering [concept, e.g. the 'Pistol' Action]. In [grade], many players struggle with [common problem]. We are teaching our [guards/bigs/etc.] how to [specific skill]. [Insert 15-sec clip or diagram here]
3. Player Spotlight
Shoutout to [Player Name] ([Team]) for [specific effort/character moment]. That's the Champions standard.
4. Alumni & Program Success
Big congrats to [Former Player Name] — now starting for [HS Team]! Great to see that hard work paying off. Once a Champion, always a Champion.
5. What's Coming Up
Our [Season] Elite tryout dates are being finalized — keep an eye on this space.
Current Players: Practice schedules are updated in the app. See you on the court.
Alumni Families: We love seeing our former players thrive — keep us posted on [Player Name]'s progress. The door is always open.
— Coach [Name] & the SF Champions Staff
Send Strategy & FOMO Trigger
Build Your List
One list in Mailchimp or Constant Contact. Tag contacts as Current or Alumni/Inactive. Both get the same newsletter — the content speaks to both audiences naturally.
Collect Coach Kits by the 25th
Send the content request to all coaches. Give them 5 days. If they miss the deadline, you publish without their team's spotlight — that creates accountability fast.
Send on the 1st Tuesday
Consistency is everything. Families should expect it. Open rates spike when people know it's coming — it becomes appointment content.
Check Open Reports 48 Hours Later
Look for former/inactive parents who opened the newsletter 2+ times. That's your signal to send a personal follow-up text.
The FOMO Trigger Text
When a former parent opens the newsletter 2+ times, send this within 24 hours. Strike while the interest is there.
"Hey [Parent Name]! Saw you were on the newsletter list — hope [Player Name] is having a great season!
We'd love to see him at a skills clinic soon if he has a free weekend. No pressure — just come feel the level. Want me to send you the next date?"
Monthly Production Calendar
| When | Action | Owner |
|---|---|---|
| 20th of month | Send "Content Kit" request to all coaches. | Program Director |
| 25th of month | Coach Kit submissions due (Clip, Standout, Lesson, Stat). | All Coaches |
| 27th–28th | Compile content, write Director's Note, assemble in email platform. | Program Director |
| 1st Tuesday | Send newsletter to full list (current + alumni). | Program Director |
| Thursday after send | Check open reports. Identify former families with 2+ opens. Send FOMO trigger text. | Program Director |
Back: Relationship Management SOP
Family Journey · FOMO Campaign · Recruitment · Coach Retention