How Do I Sponsor a Skate Team?

Skateboarding was invented less than 100 years ago, but its popularity has surged in recent decades as the sport has given rise to superstars like Tony Hawk and Shaun White. Skateparks have popped up in neighborhoods across the country, and major television networks broadcast skateboarding competitions. If you're a fan of skateboarding, then why not show your support for the sport by sponsoring a skate team with your business? Many skateboarders welcome corporate sponsorship, because competitions on any level -- from gear expenses to application fees -- require more than pocket change.

Instructions

    • 1

      Find a team to sponsor. Do you want to sponsor an amateur or a professional team? Local or national? The International Skateboarding Federation website offers a great starting point for finding all types of teams, skateboarding organizations by country and current skateboarding competitions worldwide. As well, SkateboardDirectory.com lists both amateur and pro organizations worldwide. Find the contact information for your team's manager or owner. Regardless of what type of team you pick, the members will be happy to know there's popular interest in the sport they love!

    • 2

      Figure out how your product or service can benefit the team. If you're the owner of a skate shop or you sell skateboarding equipment, your fit in view of the team's goals is a no-brainer. But regardless of the industry you're in, think about how the team can benefit from your presence and investment. Ideas for sponsorship can include supplying the team with sport beverages or just writing out a check for hotel bills.

    • 3

      Deliberate about how you would like the skate team to, in turn, benefit you. Should the team use your products exclusively during public events? Would your company benefit from in-store appearances by team members? Should team members wear your company logo on their helmets, or would you prefer an anonymous sponsorship? If you're flexible with how the team can return your investment, let them know!

    • 4

      Write out your sponsorship proposal. Even if you're planning on contacting the skate team by phone, you'll need to know exactly how you're going to pitch your sponsorship to their manager. In this proposal, you'll need to come up with a budget that you're willing to spend on the team, for how long and how logistically your investment will pan out.

    • 5

      Contact the team manager or owner with your sponsorship proposal. Regardless of whether they accept, they will be happy to know that someone is interested in supporting this expensive sport. If the team wants your sponsorship, then you're all set. If not, ask the manager about other teams that might need sponsorship.