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7 Best Youth Sports Team Fundraising Ideas

By Whit Hunter

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Why do youth sports teams fundraise? Well, it boils down to covering expenses like gear, travel, and ensuring everyone gets a chance to play, regardless of their financial situation. Fundraising is crucial—it keeps the spirit of the game alive for all involved.

It's common for families to feel a bit of fundraiser fatigue with the same old sales and car washes every year. 

This article will dive into some fresh and creative fundraising ideas that are fun and easy to execute. 

1. Host a Tournament

Leverage what your team does best—playing sports—to raise funds. 

Here’s the playbook:

A.             Pick Your Game: Decide on a tournament style. Will it be a laid-back match among local teams or something with a competitive edge? You could even mix it up with teams from various age groups and skill levels for a fun twist.

B.             Set the Scene: Choose a date and place. Make sure it’s far enough out so teams can gear up and the venue can comfortably fit your crowd and the action.

C.              Entry Fees: This is where you raise the funds, so price it smartly. Aim for a balance that feels worth it for the fun and competition but doesn’t scare anyone away.

D.             Extras for Cash: Sell food, drinks, and team merch on the side. It's an easy win for extra funds and everyone loves a snack or a souvenir.

E.              Find Sponsors: Get local businesses on board. They can sponsor the event or specific parts of it, like awards. It’s great exposure for them and a boost for your budget.

2. Local Business Sponsorships

Reach out to local businesses to sponsor your team. In exchange, offer to display their logos on your uniforms, banners, or social media. 

Partnering with local businesses for sponsorships is a win-win. Here’s why: businesses get to show their community support and enjoy some local advertising, while your team gets a financial boost. 

To kick things off, create a sponsorship package that outlines different levels of support, each with its own set of perks. Think social media shoutouts, logos on team jerseys, banners at events, or even mentions during games. Then, get your team together and brainstorm a list of businesses to approach. Focus on those with a strong local presence or whose products and services align with sports and family activities. 

Make your pitch personal; visit in person if possible, and explain how their support not only helps the team but also enhances their visibility in the community.

3. Sports Clinic for Kids

A sports clinic for kids is a fantastic way to fundraise while benefiting both the community and your team.

Organize a day-long sports clinic where your team members teach younger kids the basics of the game. Charge a reasonable fee for participation.

Your team gets to showcase their talents and learn leadership by coaching, and the kids in the community get a fun, enriching experience. Plus, it strengthens the bond between your team and the community, laying a solid foundation for future support.

To make your sports clinic stand out, consider these creative ideas:

  • Theme Days: Have days dedicated to specific skills or sports heroes.
  • Parent-Child Matches: A fun, engaging session where families can play together.
  • Skill Competitions: With small prizes, to add a competitive edge.
  • Professional Athlete Guest: Invite a local star for demos and autographs.
  • Healthy Eating Workshop: Partner with a nutritionist to teach about sports nutrition.

4. Team Merchandise Sales

Here's a list of popular items that fans and families love to buy:

  • Custom T-shirts
  • Hats and Beanies
  • Water Bottles
  • Team Jerseys
  • Wristbands and Bracelets
  • Stickers and Decals
  • Drawstring Bags
  • Keychains
  • Hoodies and Sweatshirts
  • Sports Equipment

5. Pledge Drives for Performance

Pledge drives based on performance add an exciting twist to fundraising, directly involving team achievements in the fundraising process. Here’s how it works: supporters pledge a certain amount of money for every goal, point, or win the team secures during a season or specific event. 

Examples:

  • Goals for Soccer
  • Touchdowns for Football
  • Baskets for Basketball
  • Wins for the Season
  • Strikeouts for Baseball
  • Lap-a-Thons for Track or Swimming

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6. Virtual Auction

A virtual auction is an effective way to fundraise, allowing people from anywhere to bid on items or experiences online. Here's how it works and what you can offer:

First, choose an online platform to host your auction. This could be a dedicated auction site or a social media page. Next, collect items that people will want to bid on. These could be anything from sports memorabilia to gift baskets or even special experiences. Then, promote your auction far and wide to get as many participants as possible.

For the auction items, think about including:

  • Sports gear signed by well-known athletes to attract sports fans.
  • Unique experiences, like a meal with a coach or a day with a player, which offer something beyond the ordinary.
  • Themed gift baskets, such as spa days or gourmet foods, for a bit of luxury.
  • Art pieces donated by local artists, offering a touch of culture.
  • Classes or services, like yoga sessions or landscaping, provided by local businesses.
  • Travel packages, including short getaways, which can be a big draw.

7. Stream-a-thon

Organize a live stream where team members showcase their skills, share training tips, or even play video games. Viewers can donate in real-time. It’s modern and appeals to a wide audience, especially the tech-savvy crowd.

Ludwig Ahgren's subathon is a prime example of a fundraising stream-a-thon, where his Twitch stream lasted for 31 days, breaking subscription records and engaging in various activities. The event also emphasized charity, as part of the proceeds were donated to organizations like the Humane Society of the United States and St. Jude Children's Research Hospital

Conclusion

Getting your fundraising off the ground is way easier with BetterWorld. It's a free platform that lets you focus on what matters—your cause. Imagine having all the tools you need without spending a dime. It's your chance to shine and make a real difference. Let's get into it and make this fundraising season one to remember with minimal fuss and maximum impact.

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Whit Hunter
AUTHOR

About Whit Hunter

Whit Hunter is the co-founder of BetterWorld, the free, easy-to-use online fundraising platform. His passion for empowering nonprofits and tech expertise have shaped BetterWorld’s mission to make fundraising more accessible and efficient.

Whit's innovative vision has helped countless organizations raise more funds and reach their goals, driving BetterWorld’s ongoing success.

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