Decrease Costs with Sponsors

Trying to Decrease Costs with Sponsorships?

Who Sponsors Soccer Teams?

We've printed thousands of jerseys with sponsors on them through the years and there is a trend. We see the following types of businesses sponsor teams around the country:
  • Local Pizza parlors
  • Lawyers
  • Accountants
  • Bars/Restaurants (great for adult teams
  • Dentists/Orthodontists
  • Banks
  • Real Estate Agents
  • Insurance Agents

Who we don't see sponsoring teams?

We also don't want you to waste your time. It's pretty rare for us to see the following types of companies:
  • National Gas Stations (you'd think they'd give away a little bit of money)
  • National Food Chains (exception: Quizno's - we do see them from time to time)
  • Car Dealerships (exception: Volvo)

What can you give them?

Sponsors will decide on spending money in various ways. If you can show them you are trying to provide value to them, it is easier to sell. Depending on your team or club, you can sell sponsorships and provide value in a number of ways. As you consider each item, figure out how much that "asset" is worth (consider creating levels like Platinum, Gold and Silver). For instance, if you sold two sponsors and one received a full front and one received a sleeve print, they should pay different amounts.
  • Print their Company Name on full front/sleeves/back above the number of your jerseys
  • Put their logo on your Team Banner
  • Have a website? Drop in their logo and a thanks
  • Offer to handout literature to parents (great for Professionals: lawyers, dentists, Real Estate Agents, etc)
  • Sideline Banners (great for tournaments)

How to get a Sponsor?

  1. Target & Network - determine with your team/club who in the community might be interested in Sponsorship Opportunities.
  2. Call - Enthusiasm is key! Introduce yourself and explain who you are and who you represent. Solicit interest level, find decision maker and sell them on the concept. Sometimes you can secure approval then and there - do it! Get an address if you can't get immediate approval
  3. Follow with a Letter - thank them for their interest, explain sponsorship levels (if appropriate) and ask for their support
  4. Seal the Deal - Get the money, Get the money, Get the money...

How do you keep your Sponsor feeling happy?

It is easier to keep a sponsor than to find a new one. Including your sponsor as a part of your team (or club) is invaluable and will go miles when you ask again next season! Here are a few suggestions:
  • Send team schedule with a personal invitation to attend game(s)
  • Send a thank you card with player signatures
  • Present team photo plaque that could be hung in an office (this is why you want a full front logo - the sponsor will be in your picture!)
  • Invite to end of season party and introduce them as your sponsor
Sponsors are a great way to decrease costs for families. Finding and keeping your Sponsors takes just a little work and a little thought, but the results are worth it!

Do you have other suggestions? Email them to us at: Sales@TotallySoccer.ca