Central athletics emphasizes inclusion, boosters and incentives to lift attendance and participation

Katie, athletic director at West Allis Central High School, told the board Central’s athletics plan focuses on engagement and inclusion to grow attendance and participation.

"I want them to feel included," Katie said, describing a mission that emphasizes opportunity and recognition for athletes at every level, not just varsity. Central aims to grow student involvement by increasing the appeal of attending games through student-driven promotion, booster-club student passes and a "superfan" program for staff that rewards regular attendance.

Katie said a spring survey of general students — not only athletes — showed reasons students give for attending events were social: "I came to that event because my friends were all going," she reported. The survey responses suggested logistics and cost were less common barriers than peer-led promotion and a sense of belonging.

Planned tactics include promoting affordable booster-club passes, student-led social-media content and partnerships with student council and senior-leader groups to plan theme nights and cross-promotion. Katie said the school will use student aides for social-media posts and collaborate with youth groups and booster clubs for youth nights.

Central reported baseline participation of about 30% of the student body in fall and winter last year and set a school-level target to reach roughly 40% by the end of the coming winter season. Presenters said spring sports traditionally draw additional athletes and that the fall/winter outreach is intended to build momentum.

Why it matters: Central’s approach centers on peer-driven engagement and low-cost access to events, which district staff said can increase attendance and help retain students within district sports programs.