Background

Just south of the California state capitol is Stockton, home to a local chapter of the California Youth Soccer Association (CYSA) in which about 2000 players, ranging in age from three to 19 years old, participate. This is California’s Central Valley, which is known for its farmland, open spaces and a wide, open sky. Here, Stockton Youth Soccer has two playing seasons, each with a three- to four-month registration, made more simple and accessible through Active Network, Sports’ online league management software. We recently spoke with Stockton Youth Soccer Association’s (SYSA) Administrative Assistant, Traci Clark, to find out more about how Active keeps the ball in action for them.

What motivated you to turn to Active Network?

I’ve been with the league for nine years, so I knew well the manual/paper process. We got on board with online league management software in 2008 because our parent association, CYSA, supported it. We liked it for the same reasons: it offers fantastic integration of all the important aspects of league management, from registration to volunteering to forms, etc. It’s really all about convenience.

How was it, making the switch?

Having it all online definitely saves time, especially when it comes to eliminating manual data entry. We’re still converting folks to the system – I wish more would use it – but even now it means we don’t have to do as much to prepare for, and run, each season. It offers a new level of ease to our work.

Are there specifics that stand out for you?

There are many positives, but I know that the way parents can sign up to volunteer has been a great plus for everyone. It’s all in the registration process, so if they want to coach or volunteer on some other level, it’s easy for them to let us know. And it helps us with getting an overview on everything: we can easily run reports showing who is doing what. We also like the email functionality. We’re big on email blasts, and we can pull the information we need right from the same tool.

How was the initial set-up and support process?

With each new season we work directly with Active’s reps to get set up; everyone’s always helpful. They get back to us quickly when we have questions, so things flow. I am still learning it all and even just knowing the basics, it’s an easy, fluid tool.

Would you recommend Active to other youth soccer associations?

My goal is that we keep growing. Being with Active really helps that happen, so absolutely I’d recommend Active’s online registration and league management software. It can be hard to get people to make the transition, especially in areas where folks aren’t as computer-focused, but once that happens, you’ll never look back.

With Active Network, SYSA is able to GET more players signed up, better MANAGE all aspects of each season and BUILD a more fluid organization.

GET

Having everything online definitely saves time; not just for us, but for the families as well. It’s really easy for them to register. They can do it from home so they don’t have to show up at a site and wait in line.

MANAGE

Active’s software helps us get an overview on everything: we can easily run reports showing who is doing what in terms of players, volunteers, etc. We also like the email functionality. We’re big on email blasts, and we can pull the information we need right from the same tool.

BUILD

Being with Active really helps our association grow. It can be hard in areas where folks aren’t as computer-focused to get them to make the transition, but once that happens, you’ll never look back.

Schedule a demo with an Active Network representative to see if Active can help streamline how you manage your league