Why should parents pay for private tournaments if league ones are free?
September 10, 2024
❌Why should parents pay for private tournaments if league ones are free?
But what’s the point of playing yet again against the same teams you already face in friendlies, leagues, and practice matches?
Not to mention the level of those tournaments, which are often held just for the sake of happening. Sometimes I get the impression that clubs only play in those leagues because they have to – due to subsidies, budgets, certifications… And yet everyone treats them like a ball and chain. Including the association – because there’s never enough money to provide a medic, referee, or even water (this mainly applies to youth leagues).
Private, i.e., commercial tournaments, offer a much higher sporting and organizational level. There are prizes, extra attractions, meals, and a real atmosphere.
The organizer cares about a sensible schedule, balanced competition, and amenities for the fans. In short – someone puts effort into it. They also ensure the maximum possible number of minutes played. Usually, if it’s a one-day tournament, it’s a full day of games. At multi-day tournaments, the schedule is packed with matches and extra activities. There’s simply no room for boredom.
And that’s the difference between league tournaments and commercial ones – in private events, the organizer always wants to do a good job. Simply because they’re being paid for it.
And since we’re on the subject of money… 12 teams, 300 PLN entry fee each. That’s 3600 PLN just from registrations. Very often that exact amount is allocated to the basic cost – the venue (pitch/hall/dome).
As you can guess – that’s not the only expense for the organizer. Add to that:
💸 referees
💸 staff
💸 meals and water
💸 prizes
💸 insurance
💸 medical staff
💸 announcer
💸 extra attractions
and… TIME! The time it takes to organize everything. That’s what we usually don’t see. We only see the standard 8 hours of the tournament. But someone has to prepare graphics and posters, secure the venue, recruit teams, coordinate with coaches, and on top of that, handle countless talks and rejections from sponsors or local authorities.
Let’s not forget that the organizer is usually an academy that also registers two teams of its own, which of course don’t pay entry fees – so in reality, that’s 600 PLN less. And what else can happen?
❌ A random team cancels the day before.
❌ It rains (sometimes the organizer rents a backup venue just in case).
❌ Referees don’t show up.
The stress of organizing such an event is so high that few people choose to do it more than once. Because they know it’s hardly profitable.
Without sponsors, barter deals, or public funding, such events would be completely unprofitable. Even as it stands, in 80% of cases, tournaments don’t generate any profit. That’s why organizers so often ask parents for small, symbolic help – without your support, it would be much harder, which is why it’s so appreciated.
If every organizer counted their hours spent on preparations, I guarantee you – it adds up to a third job. For what? To give kids a football festival and experiences far greater than a “league game for the sake of playing.”
So why do we do it?
Because we believe it helps support the club’s budget.
Because it brings us great joy.
Because sometimes that thousand PLN earned from such an event can cover a coach’s salary for a month. And every bit helps keep an academy running.
Because even though organizing a tournament feels like a second or third job, it gives young players an incredible opportunity to be noticed by clubs they don’t usually face.
Because we simply love it and care deeply about it – and there’s nothing better than working in something that is your passion.
So, dear parent, now you know why organizers charge entry fees. It’s thanks to your contribution that your child can take part in a tournament that gives them the most joy and builds an even greater passion for football and positive football emotions!
My post is not only a defense of commercial tournament organizers but also (perhaps more importantly?) an appeal to associations to organize higher-level leagues and support those who run them!
