How to Get Sponsored in Soccer

According to the International Association of Federation Football, the world governing association for soccer, more than 20 million people in the United States play soccer. United States Youth Soccer says that soccer is the fastest growing sport in the U.S. However, as any soccer parent can tell you, organized soccer is not cheap. Uniforms, field rentals, referee payments, insurance, practice equipment . . . the list goes on. Parents can be stuck with a bill for hundreds of dollars for a single season. Finding sponsors to defray some of those expenses is essential.

Instructions

    • 1

      Learn about the league's recognition policy for sponsors. Does your league allow the sponsor's name to be placed on uniforms, team websites or banners? Is there a set package for different sponsorship levels? You'll need this information to pursue sponsors, because they will want to know what they will be getting in exchange for their sponsorship.

    • 2

      Involve all the families of team members in the search for sponsors. Let everyone know the details of the recognition policy.

    • 3
      If team families patronize a local shop, it may want to be a sponsor.

      Identify local businesses that are likely to want to contribute to the community. Good targets are businesses that team members and their families frequent. The business is more likely to be receptive to someone who is already a loyal customer.

    • 4

      Network through family members. Perhaps an uncle has an electrical contracting business, or a grandparent works for a large manufacturer. Most sponsorships come as the result of wanting to support children of friends and family.

    • 5

      Lay the groundwork for a ongoing relationship. For example, if the sponsor is a local ice cream shop, have the team visit the shop after games. It's likely to create a good feeling on the part of the store owner, seeing 15 kids wearing the store's name on their chests, all buying ice cream.

    • 6

      Deliver plaques, photos and whatever other small "thank yous" the league offers to your sponsors. Personal delivery is always a good touch to help establish a long-term relationship.