8-Team Amateur Summer Soccer League Event Plan
Dessalines Summer Soccer League (DSSL)
League Overview
* League Name: Dessalines Summer Soccer League (DSSL)
* Format: 8 Teams
* Groups: 2 groups of 4
* Season Dates: July 25 August 29, 2026
* Game Days: Weekends only
* Games Per Day: Maximum 3
* Location: Columbus, Ohio area
* Level: Amateur Mens Soccer
* Match Length: 90 minutes (45-minute halves)
Competition Format
Group Stage
Each team plays:
* 3 group games
* Round-robin format within each group
Group A
* Team A1
* Team A2
* Team A3
* Team A4
Group B
* Team B1
* Team B2
* Team B3
* Team B4
Points System
* Win = 3 points
* Draw = 1 point
* Loss = 0 points
Tiebreakers
1. Goal Difference
2. Goals Scored
3. Head-to-Head
4. Fair Play Points
5. Penalty Shootout or Coin Toss
Knockout Stage
Quarterfinals
* 1st A vs 4th B
* 2nd A vs 3rd B
* 1st B vs 4th A
* 2nd B vs 3rd A
Semifinals
* Winner QF1 vs Winner QF2
* Winner QF3 vs Winner QF4
Final
* Championship Match only
* Trophy presentation afterward
Tournament Calendar
Date Matches
July 25 Opening Match
July 26 3 Group Matches
August 1 3 Group Matches
August 2 3 Group Matches
August 8 Final Group Matches
August 1516 Quarterfinals
August 22 Semifinals
August 29 Final
Staffing Plan
Match Day Staff
Position Quantity
Referees 3 per game
Security Guards 24
Medical Personnel 1 EMT or trainer
Ticket Staff 2
Announcer/DJ 1
Tournament Coordinator 1
Volunteers 46
Suggested Awards
Team Awards
* Championship Trophy
* Runner-Up Medals
* Team Banner
Individual Awards
* MVP
* Golden Boot
* Best Goalkeeper
* Best Defender
* Fair Play Award
Estimated Budget
Item Estimated Cost
Field Rental $2,000$5,000
Referees $1,500$2,500
Security $800$1,500
Trophies & Medals $700$1,500
Jerseys/Staff Shirts $400$1,000
Insurance $500$2,000
Marketing $300$1,000
Water & Supplies $300$700
Estimated Total
* $6,500$14,000
Revenue Ideas
Team Registration
* $500$1,200 per team
Ticket Sales
* Adults: $5$10
* Kids: Free or $3$5
Vendor Fees
* Food vendors
* Drinks/snacks
* Soccer merchandise
Sponsorships
Target:
* Haitian businesses
* Restaurants
* Barbershops
* Car dealerships
* Insurance companies
Marketing Plan
Promotion Channels
* TikTok
* WhatsApp groups
* Haitian community radio
* Local churches/community centers
Content Ideas
* Team reveal posts
* Match schedules
* Player spotlights
* Goal highlights
* MVP rankings
* Live streams
Recommended Rules
Player Eligibility
* Minimum age: 18
* Signed waiver required
* Valid ID required
Discipline
* Yellow Card Fine: $5$10
* Red Card Fine: $15$25
* Fighting = suspension/removal
Team Requirements
* Matching uniforms
* Arrival 30 minutes before kickoff
* Maximum roster: 1822 players
Match Day Setup Checklist
Field Setup
* Goals secured
* Corner flags
* Benches
* Scoreboard
* PA system
* Water stations
Fan Area
* Ticket table
* Vendor tents
* Seating
* Parking attendants
Safety
* Medical station
* Security patrol
* Emergency contacts
* Insurance documents onsite
Suggested Theme Colors
For the DSSL brand:
* Royal Blue
* Red
* Gold
* White
These colors work well with the Dessalines identity and create a strong tournament look.
Long-Term Vision
* Expand to 1216 teams
* Add youth divisions
* Create annual all-star game
* Partner with local sponsors
* Build a recognized Haitian summer soccer tradition in Columbus
Estimated Expenses for an 8-Team Amateur Summer Soccer League
Dessalines Summer Soccer League (DSSL)
Estimated Total Budget
Recommended Working Budget:
* Low Budget: $6,500$8,000
* Professional Setup: $9,000$13,000
* High-End Event: $15,000+
1. Field Rental
Item Estimated Cost
Soccer field rental per day $250$700
Total weekends needed 6 weekends
Estimated total $2,000$4,500
Includes:
* Field access
* Lights (if night games)
* Restrooms
* Parking
2. Referees
Item Estimated Cost
Center referee $60$100/game
Assistant referees (2) $40$75 each/game
Total per game crew $140$250
Estimated total tournament cost $1,400$2,500
Estimated Games
* Group stage: 12
* Quarterfinals: 4
* Semifinals: 2
* Final: 1
* Total games: 19
3. Security
Item Estimated Cost
Security guards $20$35/hour
Guards per game day 24
Estimated total $700$1,800
Recommended
* More security for semifinals/final
* Consider off-duty police for championship game
4. Insurance
Item Estimated Cost
General liability insurance $500$1,500
Player accident coverage $300$1,000
Estimated Total
* $800$2,500
5. Trophies & Medals
Award Estimated Cost
Championship trophy $200$500
MVP trophy $50$150
Golden Boot trophy $50$150
Best Goalkeeper trophy $50$150
Winner medals $100$250
Runner-up medals $75$200
Estimated Total
* $500$1,400
6. Marketing & Promotion
Item Estimated Cost
Flyers/posters $100$300
Social media ads $100$500
Banner printing $150$400
Photography/video $200$1,000
Estimated Total
* $550$2,200
7. Staff & Operations
Item Estimated Cost
DJ/Announcer $200$600
Ticket staff $150$400
Volunteers meals/water $100$300
Operations supplies $100$300
Estimated Total
* $550$1,600
8. Medical & Safety
Item Estimated Cost
EMT/medical staff $100$300/day
First aid supplies $100$250
Estimated Total
* $400$1,200
9. Team & Event Materials
Item Estimated Cost
Staff shirts $150$400
Staff badges/passes $50$150
Admission tickets $50$120
Registration forms & printing $50$100
Estimated Total
* $300$770
Recommended Budget Breakdown
Category Recommended Budget
Field Rental $3,000
Referees $2,000
Security $1,200
Insurance $1,200
Awards $900
Marketing $1,000
Operations $800
Medical $600
Miscellaneous $500
Recommended Total
$11,200
Ways to Reduce Costs
* Partner with local schools/churches for fields
* Use volunteers for setup
* Get sponsor-funded trophies
* Sell vendor spaces
* Stream games on Facebook Live instead of hiring full media crews
Recommended Income Goal
To run comfortably:
* Aim for $12,000$15,000 total revenue
Possible income sources:
* Team registration fees
* Ticket sales
* Sponsorships
* Vendor fees
* Merchandise sales
Example Revenue Plan
Source Amount
8 Teams $800 registration $6,400
Ticket sales $3,000
Sponsors $3,000
Vendors $1,000
Estimated Revenue
$13,400
Recommended Ticket Prices
Dessalines Summer Soccer League (DSSL)
Best Pricing Structure
Ticket Type Recommended Price
Adults General Admission $5$10
Kids (Under 12) Free or $3
VIP Seating $15$25
Weekend Pass $15$20
Final Match Ticket $10$15
Recommended Setup for Your Tournament
Group Stage
* Adults: $5
* Kids under 12: Free
* Parking: Free if possible
This keeps attendance high and helps build the league reputation.
Quarterfinals & Semifinals
* Adults: $7$10
* Kids: $3$5
Championship Final
* Adults: $10$15
* VIP Seating: $20$25
* Kids: $5
The final should feel like a major community event.
Estimated Ticket Revenue
Example Attendance
Stage Fans Per Day Ticket Price Estimated Revenue
Group Stage 100200 $5 $2,000$4,000
Quarterfinals 150250 $7 $1,000$2,000
Semifinals 250400 $10 $2,500$4,000
Final 400700 $10$15 $4,000$8,000
Potential Total Ticket Revenue
$9,000$18,000
Ticket Design Ideas
Include:
* DSSL Logo
* Match Date
* Match Number
* Admission Type
* Security Tear Line
* Sponsor Logos
* No Re-entry policy if desired
Additional Revenue Ideas
Sell:
* Drinks
* Haitian food
* Team jerseys
* Flags
* Tournament shirts
These can sometimes make almost as much money as ticket sales.
Recommendation
For a first-year amateur summer league in the Haitian community around Columbus:
Best Balance
* $5 Group Stage
* $10 Final
* Kids under 12 free
This usually gives:
* Better attendance
* Better atmosphere
* More vendor sales
* Stronger long-term growth for the tournament brand
Insurance Policy for Players & Field
Dessalines Summer Soccer League (DSSL)
Yes you should strongly consider getting insurance for both:
1. Players
2. Field/property liability
Most schools, parks, and sports complexes will require proof of insurance before renting the field.
Types of Insurance You Need
1. General Liability Insurance
This protects the league if:
* A spectator gets injured
* Property gets damaged
* Someone slips/falls
* A lawsuit happens during the event
Recommended Coverage
* $1 Million per occurrence
* $2 Million aggregate
Estimated Cost
* $500$1,500 for the tournament
2. Participant Accident Insurance
This helps cover player injuries during games.
Can Cover:
* Ambulance
* Emergency room visits
* Medical bills
* Dental injuries
Important
This is usually secondary coverage, meaning:
* The players personal insurance pays first
* Tournament insurance helps with remaining costs
Estimated Cost
* $300$1,200
3. Field/Venue Insurance Requirement
Many venues will ask for:
* Certificate of Insurance (COI)
* Additional insured endorsement
The venue/school/city wants proof that they are protected if something happens during your tournament.
Recommended Combined Coverage
Coverage Type Recommended Limit
General Liability $1M / $2M
Participant Accident Included
Medical Payments $5,000$10,000
Equipment Coverage Optional
Weather Cancellation Optional
Estimated Total Insurance Cost
League Size Estimated Cost
Small amateur tournament $800$2,500
Larger professional setup $3,000+
For your 8-team tournament:
Expect around $1,200$2,000
Companies That Commonly Cover Soccer Tournaments
You can search for:
* Sports event insurance
* Amateur soccer tournament insurance
* Short-term sports liability insurance
Common providers include:
* K&K Insurance
* Sadler Sports Insurance
* SportsEngine Insurance
* General Liability carriers through local brokers
What Youll Need to Apply
Information Required
* Tournament name
* Dates
* Location
* Number of teams
* Expected attendance
* Age group
* Whether alcohol is served
* Whether security/medical staff are onsite
Additional Protection You Should Require
Team Waivers
Every player should sign:
* Injury waiver
* Liability release
* Code of conduct
Vendor Insurance
Food vendors should provide:
* Business license
* Liability insurance certificate
Recommended Safety Setup
Match Day Safety
* EMT or trainer onsite
* First aid kit
* Ice/water station
* Emergency contact list
* Security guards
* Clear evacuation plan
Important Recommendation
Do not run the tournament without:
* Liability insurance
* Signed player waivers
* Venue agreement
* Medical support onsite
Those four things protect you legally and make schools/cities much more willing to approve your event.
For a community summer league, card fines should help:
* control player behavior
* protect referees
* discourage fighting
* cover disciplinary/admin costs
A strong setup for your Dessalines Summer Soccer League would be:
Card Type Suggested Fine
Yellow Card $10
Red Card $25$50
Fighting/Violent Conduct $100+
Team Bench Misconduct $50
Referee Abuse $100$250
Crowd/Fan Misconduct Team Warning or Fine
Recommended System
Yellow Cards
* $10 fine
* 2 yellow cards accumulated = 1-game suspension
This keeps players disciplined without being excessive.
Red Cards
Standard Red Card
Examples:
* dangerous tackle
* second yellow
* stopping clear goal chance
Penalty:
* $25$50 fine
* automatic 1-game suspension
Serious Misconduct Red Card
Examples:
* fighting
* threats
* racist comments
* referee abuse
Penalty:
* $100+ fine
* multiple-game suspension
* possible tournament ban
Team Deposit System (Highly Recommended)
Instead of chasing players for fines:
Require each team to pay:
$200$500 discipline deposit
Then:
* fines come out of the deposit
* remaining balance refunded after tournament
This is much easier to manage.
Example Fine Schedule
Violation Fine
Yellow Card $10
Red Card $50
Fighting $150
Referee Abuse $250
Team No-Show $300
Fan Violence $250+
Important Rule
Make it clear:
Unpaid fines = player/team suspended until paid.
That keeps teams accountable and helps maintain professionalism throughout the tournament.
Yes for your type of tournament, renting a high school soccer field is often one of the best options.
Why a High School Field Is a Good Choice
1. Better Quality Facilities
Most high school stadiums already include:
* Marked soccer field
* Bleachers
* Parking
* Bathrooms
* Lights
* Press box/sound system
That makes your tournament feel more professional immediately.
2. Safer Environment
Schools usually have:
* Security infrastructure
* Fenced areas
* Controlled entrances
* Better crowd management
This helps especially for:
* Semifinals
* Finals
* Large Haitian community attendance
3. Easier for Spectators
Families are more comfortable attending events at schools because:
* Parking is organized
* Restrooms are available
* Seating is already installed
That can increase attendance and ticket sales.
4. More Professional Look
A high school stadium gives your league:
* Better photos/videos
* Better livestream appearance
* Better sponsor appeal
Sponsors are more likely to support an organized-looking event.
Possible Downsides
Higher Cost
Compared to city parks:
* Schools may charge more
* Lights cost extra
* Custodial fees may apply
Typical pricing:
* $300$800 per day
More Rules
Schools may require:
* Insurance
* Certificate of Insurance (COI)
* Security plan
* Cleaning deposit
* Strict end times
Best Strategy for DSSL
Recommended Approach
Group Stage
Use:
* Community park
OR
* Lower-cost field
Semifinals & Final
Upgrade to:
* High school stadium
This saves money while still making the biggest games feel special.
What to Ask the School
When contacting a school, ask:
* Rental rates
* Weekend availability
* Lighting fees
* Insurance requirements
* Security requirements
* Seating capacity
* Vendor rules
* Parking access
Features You Want
Ideal Stadium Checklist
* Full-size soccer field
* Night lights
* 300+ parking spaces
* Bleachers
* Restrooms
* Concession area
* Good field condition
Good Places to Check Around Columbus
Look into:
* Public high schools
* Charter schools
* Community colleges
* Sports complexes
Some schools rent cheaper during summer because students are out.
Recommendation
For your first tournament:
Best Balance
* Use an affordable field for early rounds
* Use a high school stadium for semifinals/final
That gives:
* Lower expenses
* Bigger championship atmosphere
* Better crowd experience
* Better sponsor presentation
Yes renting a high school soccer field is actually one of the smartest ways to run your tournament during the first year.
Most schools in the Columbus area will rent fields:
* during summer break
* on weekends
* through the school district athletic department
The biggest advantages are:
* lower cost than sports complexes
* stadium seating already included
* lights and parking available
* easier crowd control
* professional game night atmosphere
Typical rental cost:
* Practice field: $75$150/hour
* Stadium field with lights: $150$350/hour
That could save you thousands compared to premium soccer complexes.
Good options around Columbus include:
* Hamilton Township High School Soccer Field
* Franklin Heights High School
* Walnut Ridge High School
* Beechcroft High School
For your tournament, Id recommend:
* Group stage at a cheaper community/high school field
* Semifinals and final at a nicer stadium-style venue
That creates a bigger championship feel as the tournament progresses.
Youll usually need:
* proof of insurance
* security plan
* rental agreement
* field deposit
* restroom/access plan
Some schools may also require:
* custodial fees
* police/security officers
* certified athletic trainer
A very realistic full-tournament high school field budget is:
$3,000$6,000 total
which is much cheaper than major turf complexes.
The best move is to contact:
* school athletic directors
* Columbus Recreation & Parks
* local soccer clubs
about 812 months early because summer weekends book fast.
Dessalines summer soccer league (DSSL)
Go with:
Royal Blue + Bright Red + Gold accents
It hits everything:
* Haitian pride
* Leadership & legacy (Dessalines)
* Summer heat
* Championship feel
Instead of only rewarding 1st place, spread it out:
* 1st place: $2000
* 2nd place: $500
* MVP / Golden Boot: $100$200 each
* Medals for winners
* Medals for 2nd place
* Music + finals event vibe
This keeps more teams engaged until the end.
High school field rental costs in the Columbus area usually range between:
Estimated High School Stadium Rental Costs
Facility Type Estimated Cost
Small public school field $250$500 per day
Stadium with lights & bleachers $500$1,200 per day
Premium turf stadium $1,000$2,500+ per day
Extra costs may include:
* Lights: $100$300
* Custodial/cleanup fees: $50$250
* Security requirement: $100$500
* Deposit: $250$1,000
Recommended Budget for Your Tournament
For DSSL:
* Group-stage weekends at a park or cheaper field
* Semifinals/final at a stadium
Expected Total Stadium Cost
* $2,000$5,000 total
Thats realistic for an 8-team amateur summer league.
Best Value Options in Columbus
Budget-Friendly
* West High School Stadium
* Bexley High School Stadium
These are likely more affordable and easier for a first-year event.
Best Championship Atmosphere
* Alumni Stadium at St. Francis DeSales High School
* Westerville Central High School Football Field
These provide:
* Better seating
* Better visuals
* Better sponsor appearance
* Stronger finals atmosphere
Alternative That May Be Cheaper Overall
Instead of renting a high school every weekend, you could use:
* Darree Sports Complex
* Lou Berliner Sports Park
Columbus parks rentals can be much cheaper than schools. City outdoor field rentals can start around $30$36 per hour for multipurpose fields.
Best Strategy for DSSL
Smart Budget Plan
Group Stage
Use:
* City park
* Sports complex
* Lower-cost field
Final Weekend
Upgrade to:
* High school stadium
This gives you:
* Professional final
* Lower tournament expenses
* Better crowd experience
* Better social media content
* Easier sponsor marketing
Important Tip
When contacting schools:
* Ask for community athletic event rates
* Mention:
* nonprofit/community event
* amateur tournament
* family-oriented event
Schools sometimes reduce prices for community cultural events.