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 cover expenses for jerseys, equipment, facility rentals, coaching, travel, and so much more.
That's why fundraisers are crucial for the success and longevity of youth sports programs—and you might want to consider youth sports sponsorships as an effective way to earn money for your team, club, or league.
In this guide, we'll share four strategies to land sponsorships for your youth sports team so you can gear up for a successful season.
What are youth sports sponsorships?
At its core, a sports sponsorship for youth teams is a partnership between your program and a company or organization. The sponsor provides financial support to 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 business’ reputation by showing care for the community. The sponsorship also benefits the team by helping cover the expenses of equipment, uniforms, event spaces, and other fees.
How do you find local or corporate sponsorships for youth sports? Here are four top ways to acquire sponsorships.
1. Talk to local businesses that share your values
Many local business owners will want to give back to their community by supporting area sports teams. Often, the company’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 out businesses relevant to your youth sports program, such as stores that sell athletic gear or energy drinks or nearby gyms. Additionally, look around for companies that already sponsor other programs or nonprofits, as there's a good chance they'll be willing to support your youth sports team, too.
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 greatly 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,” which is yet another valid reason to sponsor.
3. Find corporate opportunities
Aside from local businesses, you can also seek sponsorships from national corporations. Major companies that sponsor youth sports teams include:
While this list highlights a few large corporations that sponsor or donate to youth sports, there are plenty of others. Just remember to research their eligibility requirements, as they’re 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:
- 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 strong 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 will directly benefit the team and its players, whether it's 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, compelling call to action. Encourage the sponsor to take the next step—whether 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.
With RaiseRight, your sports team can earn up to five times more than traditional fundraisers—in fact, the highest-earning athletic group earned $103,375 in 2024!
- Enroll your sports team in a RaiseRight program—it's free!
- Add family, friends, and supporters as program participants
- Shop online, dine at restaurants, or buy gift cards for hundreds of popular brands, including McDonald’s, Starbucks, Walmart, and Home Depot. You can use gift cards to pay for everyday purchases, gift them to loved ones, or use them as incentives for your players or supporters.
- With every purchase, your team earns up to 20% back—and you keep 100% of the funds.
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!
