INTRODUCTION                                          

Overview

Apple Valley Little League (The League, AVLL) has been an integral part of the Apple Valley Community since 1957. We currently have a Board of Directors that consists of 15 volunteers who have dedicated their time to ensure that the league operates in accordance with Little League International rules and regulations. This report was prepared by Nate Charette, Treasurer for Apple Valley Little League and recaps the period from 10/01/2023-9/30/2024.

Financial Highlights

FY23 saw The League rebound financially. We were able to completely pay off over $40,000 of field light debt from previous years bringing us current with Town of Apple Valley, file past years state and federal tax returns, and regain our tax-exempt status.

Report Highlights

This report will breakdown The League’s finances to include cost per player, operational costs, maintenance costs, income, and other costs associated with keeping The League operational.

Looking Ahead

The League is in a better financial position than it was a year ago. A result of the increase of registration fees for the first time in 6 years in 2022-23 and a slight price increase on items at the Snack Bar, The League has been able to overcome financial difficulties and begin making improvements to facilities and equipment. Some which will be identified in this report.

FINANCIAL SUMMARY

The main revenue sources of Apple Valley Little League are player registrations, sponsor donations and snack bar sales.

• Field lighting debt has been paid off and is current.
• Snack bar profit margin ranges from 30-50%. This profit margin is sufficient to ensure The League has funds to cover unforeseen costs and make necessary improvements to enhance player and family experience.
• Current registration fees are adequate to maintain league solvency.
• We continue to see substantial community support in the form of sponsorships.

The following Profit and Loss report summarizes all The League’s income and expenses from 10/01/2023-9/30-2024:

Balances at End of fiscal year

As of 10/1/2024, The League had the following account balances:

The current balances The League holds will go towards funding current season field lights, umpire fees, and utilities as well as making improvements to facilities such as snack bar and its related equipment, baseball and softball supplies and equipment, and field maintenance and equipment. The League has already completed a remodeling project for the Snack Bar to include new drywall on walls and ceiling, new lights, new fridge, new cabinets, and fresh paint. We have also purchased and are ready to install new fence safety topper for several fields. We constantly have costs associated with vandalism, restroom cleaning, and other miscellaneous repairs of League-owned facilities and equipment. 

Registration

Player Numbers - FY2024 – Table 1

Total number of participants for the 2024 year: 1,637

Player Numbers by Division - FY2024 – Table 2

Group 1 – Tee Ball (co-ed)

Group 2 – Rookies/Sunshine

Group 3 – Minors/Majors/Intermediate/Seniors

Player Costs

The following is the actual annual average cost the league incurred for each registered player in Table 2.

Player Costs – Table 3

Uniforms

Uniforms are one of the largest expenses that The League incurs each year. The following numbers can be referenced in the provided financial reports:

Uniform Costs – Table 4

The Uniform Committee, comprised of members from the Board of Directors, has done a great job in ensuring that uniform costs stay within budgetary constraints. The League came in about $20,000 under budget for uniforms. In Spring 2023, the cost of uniforms was $52,207.13 for 939 players. Spring 2024 saw a decrease in uniform cost by $7,610.13 due to a decrease in registered players and shopping around for a high-quality uniform that cost less. By shopping around for the highest quality uniform for the lowest price, the Uniform Committee has ensured that our players have the best uniforms for the best price.

SNACK BAR

The snack bar provides convenience to players and their families and is the only true revenue source for The League. While Little League International suggests that local leagues maintain a profit margin of at least 100%, Apple Valley Little League Snack Bar has been able to maintain profitability with a profit margin ranging between 30-50%. The profit generated from the Snack Bar help The League make ends meet and generated enough profit to allow us to make some much-needed improvements to the Snack Bar interior, add new menu items, and purchase some equipment needed to provide more concession items to our players and their families. We feel confident that in the coming seasons, we will be able to further enhance the Snack Bar menu, aesthetics, and facility. Looking ahead, due to the age and condition of The League’s main building that houses the Snack Bar and Equipment Room, it may be necessary to extensively remodel or construct a new building entirely at some point. Funds are being diverted to the general savings account for capital improvements for purposes such as this.

PROPOSED BUDGET FOR FY2025

This proposed budget is based on projected player registrations during Spring and Fall 2024 Seasons. The League has seen a decrease in participation in the 2024 Season, but FY 2025 may be our best turnout ever. This proposed budget will be conservative in its estimation and based on a recommendation to keep current registration fees at the Spring Registration price of $100 for Tee Ball, $120 for Rookies/Sunshine, and $160 for Minors through Seniors.

Projected Player Numbers by Division – FY2025 – Table 5

Group 1 – Tee Ball (co-ed) - $100 registration fee

Group 2 – Rookies/Sunshine - $120 registration fee

Group 3 – Minors/Majors/Intermediate/Seniors - $160 registration fee

Total projected players in FY2025: 1,595

Projected Expenses FY2025 – Table 6

PROJECTED REVENUE FOR FY2025

Projected Revenue – FY2025 – Table 7

Total projected revenue depends on the execution of a successful fundraising campaign and continued snack bar sales. During the 2024 Spring season, AVLL met its fundraising goal. The FY2025 board hopes to continue that success and ensure the 2025 fundraising campaign reaches or exceeds its goal and is currently planning a strategy to ensure it does well.

Projected Player Costs for Spring and Fall – FY2025 – Table 8

Projected player costs are average numbers based on the projected registration numbers for the 2025 season excluding All-Stars, who pay an additional fee upon selection to an All-Star team.

REPORT CONCLUSIONS

• Registration fees are currently ideal. It is my suggestion that The League set registration prices at the FY2024 rate for FY2025.
• Unprecedented registration numbers seem to be the trend for The League even though Spring 24 saw less registered players than the previous year season, our Fall season had a higher turnout. While estimations of future numbers are conservative, I expect a high turnout for the FY2025 seasons meaning actual player costs may be higher than projected.
• Snack Bar costs and revenue are ensuring The League maintains a budget to make much need improvements to facilities and equipment. Currently, a profit margin of 50% is recommended as well as diligently ensuring costs don’t eat into profit and quickly raising menu item prices when/if costs begin to rise.
• The League completely paid off the Field Light debt it was burdened with for the last several years. In FY2024, over $40,000 was paid to Town of Apple Valley and we are now current on all fees, due, and notes payable.
• One thing not mentioned yet in this report is the number of Sponsorships we have received as a league and the hard work that our Sponsorship Committee has accomplished to get those Sponsors. The money donated by these members of the Community has greatly helped The League to continue providing a service to the children and families of Apple Valley.
• No immediate need to raise registration fees for at least the Spring 2025 season. Current fees should provide ample funding for The League to continue operations and remain fiscally sound.