When approaching non-school sports groups (specifically baseball, soccer, softball, etc) you need to understand a few things about how they operate. Most are a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization, governed by a board of directors (usually volunteers) and help out when they can. Some groups are fortunate to be funded by their local city government and may get assistance with field maintenance, supplies, security, etc. while others have zero funding outside fundraising efforts. Cue the local I.C. to come in and save the day!
Here are some examples of how seasons may run in various parts of the country:
Little League Baseball/Softball
Registration starts in January - March; the
season begins around the end of March/early April through May; tournaments in June, July, and beyond. Some leagues offer Fall ball which is an abbreviated version of the Spring season. Sometimes fall ball is more instructional and a lower attended season.
Travel Ball (baseball and softball)
Pick up games through the week, lots of
weekend tournaments, and usually is an established team with tryouts, sponsors, and required player fees (sometimes $1000 or more per player to participate in a single year). Fundraising needs vary with travel teams depending upon their sponsorship and how deeply funded they are or not.
Recreational or Club Soccer
Usually, there are spring leagues and fall
leagues. Individual teams comprise the league in various age groups starting at ages 4 or 5 and going up through middle or even high school. Older teams usually dissipate because school sports opportunities are more plentiful for the higher level players at that age.
Travel or Club Volleyball
Very similar to other travel teams with spring and
fall leagues. Summer camps and tournaments in-state and out of state. Usually form in middle and high school and sometimes coincide with high school volleyball teams.
So how can you help these summer sports teams raise money?
1.Do your homework.
Visit the website, join the Facebook page for that organization and learn about their
timeline, deadlines, player fees, and what the needs are. Do they need batting cages? Does their scoreboard need to be replaced? Are they in need of expansion because of the increased number of players? Usually, the board of directors will have contact information on the website (if it is an info@organization.com type of email). Start there.
2.Introduce yourself.
Ask what the needs are? Fact find. Do they have individual player fundraising requirements? If so, how much money is required per player? That will help you develop a plan and which product to pitch. When does their board meet? Could you participate in an upcoming meeting and if not, could you send information to be considered at the next board meeting? Make yourself available should questions arise.
3.Keep It Simple
Remember that usually, these board members are volunteers with day jobs. Many times they volunteer because their kid is playing in the league or they played in their youth and want to give back to the community. Don’t bombard them with seventy-three options. Keep it streamlined, simple, easy, and a no-brainer.
Some ideas might include:
coupon books
apparel bundle with coupon books
apparel
first aid kits
If you are calling on non-school sports groups with Summer 2021 in mind, reach out to the sales team and they will be glad to help or brainstorm ideas with you. If you’ve missed the window for Spring 2021 these groups (sometimes) have Fall ball and could have a fall season that you could start with and then try for Spring 2022. To brainstorm ideas, send an email to: sales@savearound.com
The SaveAround Apparel Division (SAink) provides a great opportunity for you to find a different solution for groups looking to raise funds as well as local establishments looking for custom apparel. Sports teams are always looking for apparel on and off the field. With a lot of options available in the apparel industry SAink prides itself on providing a premium product at an extremely competitive cost. For more information on SAink and all the great apparel solutions we offer, contact sales@savearound.com today!
