Our world has become reliant on digital communications, and community sport organizations are not immune to the complexities involved in managing digital communication platforms. For community sport organizations, strong communication practices can help to engage current members further and recruit new members. These communication practices can include emails, social media, your website, and more.

Social media platforms and websites are among the most common forms of digital communications for community sport organizations. These platforms can be used to share information about upcoming program registrations, competition results on the field of play, educational information, and so much more.

The most popular social media platforms include Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, LinkedIn, and TikTok. This may seem like a lot of platforms to manage, but content can easily be replicated across platforms. Content can be shared simultaneously on Facebook and Instagram when the accounts are connected. Videos created for TikTok are well-formatted to be shared on Instagram.

Here are a few ideas to increase engagement on social media

• Volunteer recognition: Use your digital communication platforms to recognize dedicated volunteers in your organization for a job well done. This can be done in a social media post highlighting the individual and thanking them for their work. You can also use social media to provide the opportunity for members of your organization to nominate volunteers for recognition.
• Promote awareness of safe sport practices: Safe sport policies and practices are relevant to all members of your community sport organization regardless of their role. By sharing information on social media about safe sport practices, you are taking steps to further embed safe sport into your organizational culture. This can be also be effective with other relevant topics.
• Get your participants involved: Social media trends are constantly evolving. By involving your participants in the creation of social media content, they are more likely to share and engage with the content when it is published. This can be a fun team activity throughout the season.

 If well set up and maintained, your website can become your central hub for digital communications. Websites today are critical for ensuring all members of your organization have access to the organization’s policies and procedures, program information and registration, team schedules, and more.

 Here are some considerations to increase your website engagement

• Create an alumni section: When participants from your programs play university-level sports and beyond, it can be exciting to share on your website. Sharing the success of former athletes and coaches from your organization can speak to the history and success of your programming.
• Post regular competition results: By ensuring your website is updated with the latest competition results, members of your organization are easily able to see exceptional performances on the field of play. This can be particularly exciting for families of participants.

Tools to help you manage your communications

1. Canva– Canva is a free online platform that can be used for social media and graphic design. It offers access to countless templates and is relatively easy to use. Canva also offers free premium memberships to non-profit organizations. Access to the premium membership includes additional templates and a built-in social media scheduling tool.
2. Unsplash– Unsplash is a free stock images website. Images downloaded from Unsplash are those that can be downloaded and used in digital communications without licensing fees. These images are free to use without permission.
3. DeepL– DeepL is a free online translation tool that is a step above the rest. If your organization is home to participants who speak languages other than English, this tool can support your digital translation needs.

The effective use of your digital communications platforms begins with a robust communications plan. The Sport Information Research Centre (SIRC) offers tips on how to build an effective communications plan here. The SIRC blog discusses considerations for creating key messages, determining target audiences, and timelines for communication. Within the blog, there are also links to examples of communications plans.

The Ottawa Sport Council can help you share your message

The Ottawa Sport Council is committed to amplifying the voices of community sport organizations throughout the city. We can do so by sharing your message! Our community on social media is filled with community sport enthusiasts, community sport organizations, and even local media outlets. By amplifying your message within our community, you can reach new audiences and welcome new members to your community.

Reach out to us via email or on social media if there is a program or initiative that you would like us to share with our network!