Freshmen sports are a fundamental component of LM’s athletic community. They provide a chance for young athletes to have a creative outlet, challenging them to collaborate with fellow classmates and improve their skill set in preparation for higher levels of competition. Not only do freshmen teams help provide upcoming high schoolers with a sense of school spirit, but they also teach them valuable lessons about teamwork and dedication—all working towards a common goal. Despite this level of importance and meaning to ninth grade students participating in these sports, they continue to receive a lackluster amount of student spectators. It is a common occurrence for bleachers to be near-lifeless, only filled by some players’ parents—an example being the freshmen soccer game versus Springfield High School, when only 5-7 people showed up. Meanwhile, varsity games draw crowds, pack bleachers, and receive school-wide attention. So, the question arises: how can we get more people to attend freshman games?
First, let’s talk about the benefits of increased freshmen game attendance for both the players and the school. For the players, having larger crowds provides a more energizing and encouraging environment, boosting their confidence, motivation, and professionalism on the field. It enhances their overall athletic experience, giving them a sense of pride and validation for their hard work. As freshmen soccer coach Marc Gottfried puts it, “[a better atmosphere] definitely helps them play harder; they are more energetic.” It can make players feel part of the community and ultimately encourage them to participate in more sports throughout their high school career. Our school could also benefit from such a practice, as this motivation attained by players encourages them to continue to sign up for sports. It would also strengthen the caliber of the school athletic department and further enhance school spirit.
One way to promote freshmen game attendance and create better atmospheres would be to make school events and spirit days around visiting games. For example, Student Council could create “Dawg Pound” events, which could help foster a sense of belonging and support between students, becoming a celebration that proceeds off of the pitch. In these events, varsity or JV teams could take time to watch the next generation of LM athletes, some of whom will be their teammates in the future. Friends of the players could also show up without the stigma of being the only supporters. Themed game days and competitions such as “best dressed supporter” could also help liven up the atmosphere of freshman games. All in all, through school spirit events like “Dawg Pound,” we can build a tradition of attendance and community involvement in freshmen games, helping both students and staff feel connected to LM and its various teams.
Game attendance could also improve via incentives provided to spectators—going beyond basic giveaways. For example, “Fan Loyalty Programs” could reward students for attending multiple freshman games with points that could accumulate toward prizes like school merchandise or “Supporter of the Year” awards, involving the LM student to go to the most school games. These new policies could be implemented through either LM’s athletic department or a Student Council committee that is dedicated to school sports. Another approach could involve working with local businesses, as other LM teams have previously done, to offer discounts for fans who present proof they were at a freshmen game, encouraging the local community to attend as well. Through turning attendance into a rewarding experience, schools can motivate LM students, their families, and our community to actively participate in supporting our freshman teams.
With the fall sports season coming to an end, it is clear that there is a noticeable lack of attendance at freshmen games. However, through combining spirit days with creative incentives, we can make these games more engaging and fun for everyone involved. Spirit days and events provide an opportunity to build excitement and appreciation for these upcoming players who are the future of school sports, encouraging LM to uphold its renowned athletic prowess. By pairing these spirit days with incentives such as loyalty programs or rewards for participation, we can further drive attendance and improve the atmosphere. Together, these strategies help foster a lively and inclusive environment where students, their families, and the community can both be entertained and show gratitude towards freshmen players. By making these games not just about sports but also about shared experiences and rewards, schools can create lasting traditions that draw larger, more enthusiastic crowds and serve as a sign to the school’s devotion towards athletics. Why attend freshmen games, you might ask? As Coach Gottfried puts it, “They are fun and the future of our school’s varsity teams.” So, as a new sports season starts, attend a freshmen game, lobby the student council to include freshmen-focused spirit days, and admire the effort and dedication of these soon-to-be varsity players.
