How much should a club charge for membership? A simple method
Set the fee too low and the club runs out of money in March. Set it too high and families go elsewhere. This method helps your committee set a fee you can explain to every member.
- Start from your real yearly costs, not from last year’s fee.
- Divide by a realistic number of paying members, not the best-case number.
- Compare with two or three similar clubs nearby.
- Use tiers (youth, family, supporter) to stay accessible without losing money.
Step 1: list your yearly costs
- Facility rental: pitches, halls, pool lanes, rooms.
- League, federation and insurance fees per member.
- Equipment: balls, nets, kits, first-aid kits.
- Coaches and referees, if they are paid or reimbursed.
- Administration: software, website, bank fees, printing.
- Events and social life: end-of-season party, trophies.
Step 2: subtract other income
Subtract what does not come from fees: grants, sponsors, bar income, event profits. What remains is what membership fees must cover. Keep a small margin, around 10 %, for surprises.
Step 3: divide by a realistic number of members
Use the number of members who actually paid last season, not the number on the list. If you expect growth, count it only once it has happened.
A worked example
| Item | Per year |
|---|---|
| Hall rental | 6,000 |
| Federation and insurance | 3,200 |
| Equipment | 1,200 |
| Coaches’ expenses | 2,400 |
| Admin and events | 1,000 |
| Total costs | 13,800 |
| Minus grants and bar | −3,800 |
| Plus 10 % margin | +1,000 |
| To cover with fees | 11,000 |
With 100 paying members, the average fee is 110 per year. You can then split it into tiers: adults 130, youth 90, second family member 70, supporters 30.
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Step 4: compare with clubs nearby
Look at two or three similar clubs in your area. If you are much more expensive, explain what members get: more training sessions, better facilities, coaching. If you are much cheaper, you may be underpricing and depending too much on volunteers.
Step 5: make it easy to pay and renew
- Offer payment in two or three instalments for higher fees.
- Accept bank transfer and a simple payment link.
- Announce the fee and the deadline a month before the season.
- Send reminders: see our renewal reminder email templates.
Show members what they paid for
A membership card with the tier and the expiry date makes the fee concrete. With MPass, the card in Apple Wallet or Google Wallet shows the tier and updates when the member renews, and MPass never takes a commission on your membership fees: members pay the club directly. See pricing.
Frequently asked questions
How do I calculate a club membership fee?
Add up your yearly costs, subtract grants and other income, add a margin of about 10 %, and divide by the number of members who actually paid last season.
Should youth members pay less?
Most clubs charge youth members less and balance it with adult fees, sponsors or grants. Family discounts also help retention.
Should we raise the fee every year?
Only when costs rise. Small, explained increases are better accepted than a big jump every few years.
Choose your activity, type your club’s name, and add the card to Apple Wallet or Google Wallet. Free, no sign-up.
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