Over the past several months, we have conducted several surveys of our members as well as our staff. Your feedback helps us stay on top of issues and take swift action to resolve any that may arise. THANK YOU to everyone who provided insights. The biggest two areas for improvement are Communication and Coaching.
Communication at the Team and Club Levels
All Foothills team members, including coaches and trainers, have received refreshers and encouragement about being more accessible and engaged. This has become a standing item on meeting agendas, and we are already hearing from you that you are seeing a change.
- We are working to streamline our email communications. Information for teams is now being sent directly from the Club to parents to ensure that all of our members receive the same information at the same time. This should eliminate delays and inconsistencies.
- Our website and social media channels are being updated regularly.
- “Footnotes” was created to act as a compilation source of information.
- We are dusting off manuals, codes of conduct, and other policy and procedure documents.
- More guidance and connection points are being provided to team managers, including a Manager’s Social on November 5.
- New technology to enhance the customer experience is under review
Coaching
Foothills has over 420 certified coaches. This is more than any other Alberta-based club by a wide margin. Our coaches invest in us and we invest in them. Tier 1-3 coaches put in 252 hours per year, and our Tier 4-6 coaches put in 108 hours per year. To help them develop, we provide them with formal coaching clinics and pay the costs of their certifications. Having said that, finding and retaining coaches is an ongoing challenge. People are busier than ever and have many competing obligations. We have implemented several initiatives to help.
- We have ramped up our recruiting efforts, including building awareness through social media and the website.
- Open houses and friendly matches develop existing relationships and educate potential coaches about Foothills’ culture and the benefits of being a coach.
- We have regular coaching clinics planned (the next one will be October 27) and have strengthened our Coach Development and Mentorship Program. These are designed to make sure our coaches have a venue to have their needs and voices heard.
- And we are one of the foundation members of the TELUS She Can Coach program, which is just getting underway but will help us attract and retain more female coaches.
We will continue to survey our members and staff. However, we encourage you to pass on your feedback and insights through your team managers, coaches, and to the Club directly by emailing us at colin@gofoothills.ca.
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