Club name:
Target launch date:
Mission (one sentence):
Phase 1 — Foundation (6+ months out)
- Founding team recruited (coach + treasurer + organizer): ________________
- Local landscape scouted (nearby clubs, school programs)
- HS / MS coaches met — feeder alignment discussed
- Legal structure chosen (nonprofit / booster / parks & rec)
- Incorporation / 501(c)(3) filing started (if applicable)
Phase 2 — Charter & certify (4–6 months out)
- Governing body chosen (USA Wrestling / AAU — match your local circuit)
- Club charter submitted & insurance certificate received
- Every coach: membership + background check + SafeSport
- Bank account opened (two signers, never one)
Phase 3 — Space & equipment
- Practice space secured (2–3 evenings/wk, Nov–Mar): ________________
- Facility-use agreement signed, insurance cert delivered
- Mats sourced (used / sectional / shared): ________________
- Mat cleaning supplies + schedule + owner
- First-aid kit, scale, storage plan
Phase 4 — Money
- Season budget drafted (income vs. costs)
- Registration fee set: $________ (+ quiet scholarship policy)
- Sponsors approached: ________________
- Fundraiser #1 planned (tournament? apparel?)
- Grant applications identified
Phase 5 — Launch (8 weeks out → week 1)
- Registration system live (charter body platform)
- Flyers in schools + social accounts live
- Communication app chosen and announced (ONE app)
- Singlets / team gear ordered (8+ weeks lead time!)
- Parent meeting scheduled & agenda ready
- First month of practice plans written
- First practice = FUN (games, zero lectures)
Year-one success metric
Kids who return for year two: ______ of ______ registered.
Full explanations for every line: Starting a Youth/MS Club. College version: here.