Pizza Party for 20 not for 80!

[Avery's mom]

I coach my school's co-ed soccer team and am having a end of year pizza party this Saturday. I remember going to lots of them when I was a kid, and had a great time. However, as a teacher and coach, this is new to me from this end. How do I make it clear to parents that I want this to be a time to celebrate the year, but I do not have an unlimited budget and cannot provide more than enough for the team?

My mom, when she coached us, said that she provided pizza for the team and parents bought their own for their extended families. I do not know if this is still the case. Does anyone have any advice for me so I don't offend people and/or go wayyy over budget?

 

[Catrin]

Ask the pizza place to cut the Pizzas into more slices than normal.

Many people will think 2 slices or 3 is the max, that way you can extend what you are serving.

Hope that is a start,
Catrin

 

[mickeylove2]

The local pizza place around here offers discounts for events like this, it doesn't hurt to ask.

 

[Sandy321]

Do you gather and talk to anyone?

Around here its customary to pitch in money for the coaches gift - so that would be one way to talk up the year end party...

the kids pizza I would say would be on you, but then for family members $5 or $3 or whatever.... maybe a BYOD (bring your own drinks) If someone offers to bring drinks then it would help you hold the cost down... just a thought...

 

[Kellydelly]

Can you send a note home with the kids, or email the parents and say that you are providing pizza and beverage for the team but that family members of the team are welcome to join you at the pizza place and purchase their own food? I don't think that's rude, I think it just spells out who's meals you plan to cover.

 

[Stacerita]

Be direct and let them know that pizza and such will be provided for the team only. Parents, family and friends will need to be on their own. Local places around here will give discounts if the teams show up wearing their uniform shirts.

 

[quasar4legs]

As a parent I wouldn't be expecting the coach of any team to pay for the end of season party so I think what you are doing is very generous.
I would send a note about what you are prepared to pay for and at the end pop in brackets that parents, siblings etc are welcome to attend (if that's what you want) at their own expense.

I really wouldn't have thought that people would expect you to pick up the whole tab but I suppose it's a good idea to be safe rather than sorry.

Cheers
Trish

 

[dreamin_disney]

dd softball team the kids were seated at the team table and only the kids got drinks and pizza. Parent sat at other tables and paid for their own pizza or didnt eat.

 

[Avery's mom]

Wow, such fast responses I like all of your suggestions and ideas so far. I usually spend so much of my own money on the kids, but things are tighter than normal and I feel awkward saying, "No, you can't eat unless you pay for yourself." I'm glad to hear that it's somewhat expected for parents/siblings to help pay for themselves.

Thanks again!

 

[The Disney Bunch]

Our parents don't expect to get fed but generally it is also made clear that the pizza party is for the team members only. If there are leftovers we offer them to the parents but most parents buy their own.

 

[Green Tea]

I would list a drop off and pick up time on the flyer. Then it seems clear they are not invited to stay.

 

[MousekaMaddi]

I do agree to a flyer stating that as the coach u will have pizza for the kids and thet everyone is welcome to join the fun but please purchase your own food!
I also highly suggest u make a ressie for your team party if its at a pizza parlar, last year we panicked when after our last game every other team was going out for pizza a nd trophies! We almost didnt get a place to celebrate. Make a ressie call IN ADVANCE. Trust me

 

[rainy~daze]

I agree---make the invitation such that it states end of year celebration--players and their families welcome. Pizza and refreshment provided for players only. If you are announcing how it will work foodwise, I don't think it is rude, it is clear.
If you said party and you're all invited then they got there to find out no food for thm, that would come as a shock. But if they come with the fair warning their food is not paid for, there is no surprise.

 

[MousekaMaddi]

nice job rainydaze, great post!!

 

[LisaNJ25]

Charge $5.00 pp. This will cut down on extras.

 

[andymattmom]

We have had several pizza parties for soccer. Our local Pizza Huts have banquet rooms that you can use...for free. You do need to order pizza but you can do the buffet or off the menu (which is what we do as it is much cheaper). You then do as others say...tell the parents you are buying for the team (if you are). Have a team table set up and keep the kids there. The parents probably will want to stay if the kids are getting trophies but make sure they know they are responsible for their food/drinks. I certainly wouldn't expect a coach to pay for the entire party! Have a fun time!

 

[brockash]

My DS's (6) soccer coach bought Pizza for all the kids at the end of the season. He told us about a week before the last game (and pizza party) and told us that he was going to buy their pizza, and that we would be responsible for buying our own for siblings, parents ect. I don't think anyone was offended at all, and we were very appreciative that he offered to pay for the teams pizza, as it was unexpected and he didn't need to that. I think if you just explain that you'd like to buy the "team" pizza, and let them know that anyone else is invited to come, but that they will have to pay for their own you should be fine. I think they'll be very happy/appreciative that you're offering to pay for the teams.

 

[littlele]

I'm completely shocked that you would even be paying for the kids pizza, because as a coach you have offered your gift of time all season, right?

Around here, no one would ever let a coach pay for the end of year party. We figure out where we are celebrating, determine the cost per person, and also collect for the coaches gift.

For example, this year it will be in someones home, catered at a cost of 7.50 per person, and we all chip in $10 for the gift (too little if you ask me!). Everyone is more than happy to pay their share.

 

[Cindi0511]

Don't hint -- be specific. There is a lot on people's minds these days, and guessing what someone means is not going to work sometimes. I think you've gotten great advice: put it in writing and be specific. Have a great party!

 

[MrsPete]

I would make the invitations look like cute little tickets, and they'd say something like "Admit one soccer player to the end-of-the-season pizza party". It'd be easy to print up something like this at home. That would let all but the most boorish know that only the player is invited to eat.