4 Winning Strategies to Land a Youth Sports Sponsorship

Getting kids involved in youth sports is an investment in their growth, but the financial burden can't be ignored. As the cost of goods and services rises annually, youth sports teams must continue to fundraise for jerseys, equipment, facility rentals, coaching, travel, and so much more. 

As an alternative to fundraising ideas, consider looking into youth sports sponsorships as an effective way to earn money for your team, club, or league. 

In this guide, we'll share four strategies for securing sponsorships for your youth sports team so you can gear up for a successful season. 

What are youth sports sponsorships?

At its core, a youth sports sponsorship is a partnership between your program and a company or organization. The sponsor financially supports your youth sports team, and you promote the business. For example, the team may:

• Put the company’s logo on their uniforms
• Place company banners around the playing field
• Mention the business on their website or social media

These promotions can help boost awareness of the business and improve the sponsor's reputation by showing that they care for the community. A youth sports sponsorship also benefits the team by alleviating expenses for equipment, uniforms, event spaces, and other fees.

How do you find local or corporate sponsors for youth sports? Here are four top ways to acquire youth sports sponsorships. 

1. Talk to local businesses that share your values

Many local business owners are eager to give back to their community by supporting youth sports groups. Often, the sponsor's owners or employees are parents of children in the sport, making it a personal interest (and a great place to begin your sponsorship ask). 

According to Reddit users, "Kids' parents' companies are where you should start. If any work for big companies, they may have donation matches available, and some companies will donate to nonprofits related to places [where] employees volunteer." 

You'll also want to seek sponsors that are relevant to your youth sports program, such as nearby gyms or stores that sell athletic gear.

Additionally, look around for companies that already sponsor other programs or nonprofits. There's a good chance they'll also be willing to support your youth sports team. 

2. Network with other businesses strategically

Cast a wider net by expanding your sponsorship search beyond sports-focused or parent-owned businesses. 

Consider local businesses with deep community ties, including real estate firms, banks, medical practices, auto dealerships, gas stations, and repair shops, as they benefit significantly from local brand visibility and engagement. 

As Reddit user and real estate agent u/novahouseandhome points out, "I do it because I care about kids’ sports, and I'm married to a teacher and know the schools need the support." 

3. Find corporate opportunities 

Aside from local businesses, you can also acquire youth sports sponsorships from national corporations. Major companies that sponsor youth sports teams include:

• DICK’S Sporting Goods
• Chevrolet
• Under Armour
• State Farm
• Gatorade
• Keurig Dr. Pepper

While these are just a few large corporations that sponsor or donate to youth sports, there are plenty of others. Remember to research these brands' eligibility requirements, which are often stricter than local businesses. 

4. Create a strong youth sports sponsorship proposal

A well-crafted pitch or proposal is essential for securing a youth sports sponsorship, no matter who you're talking to. 

There are several ways to craft a compelling proposal. Begin by choosing the format that best showcases the value of partnering with your youth sports organization, such as: 

• One-pager—Concise and impactful for quick pitches
  
  
• Detailed presentation—Engaging and visual for in-depth discussions
  
  
• Formal letter—Professional and structured for corporate sponsors

Elements of a compelling proposal

Regardless of the format, every youth sports sponsorship pitch or proposal should include these essential elements: 

• Introduction and mission—Provide an overview of your team, including its mission, values, and community impact. Highlight key details such as team achievements, number of players, and years active in the community. Consider adding audience demographics, such as age range or average household income, to help potential sponsors determine if the partnership fits.
  
  
• Purpose of the sponsorship—Clearly explain the financial need and how the sponsorship directly benefits the team and its players, whether for uniforms, travel expenses, equipment, or facility costs.
  
  
• Sponsor benefits—Outline what the sponsor will gain from the partnership. Detail brand exposure opportunities, such as logo placement on jerseys, banners, social media, website features, or event mentions. Emphasize the reach they can expect.
  
  
• Sponsorship levels—Offer tiered sponsorship packages with clear benefits for each level. Be flexible and open to customized partnerships based on the sponsor’s needs and budget. 
  
  
• Call to action and contact information—End with a clear call to action. Encourage the sponsor to take the next step, whether it's scheduling a call or responding by a specific date. Include your contact details and express gratitude for their time and consideration.

Not ready to pitch? Start with RaiseRight

Securing sports sponsorships can be a game-changer for your team, but we know that networking, creating proposals, and delivering pitches can feel overwhelming.

If you're not ready to tackle that yet, or if you're looking for a simpler way to raise funds, give RaiseRight a try. 

RaiseRight is a passive fundraising program that allows your youth sports team to earn money just by paying for purchases with gift cards, dining at local restaurants, or shopping online. 

RaiseRight is available year-round with no earning caps, so raising money during the off-season is easy, too. Plus, it works seamlessly alongside other fundraisers like restaurant nights, golf tournaments, fun runs, and special events.

Download The RaiseRight Fundraising Playbook to learn more about RaiseRight. Or, get started today by enrolling for free!