Question

Topic: Strategy

University Club Soccer Team Fundraising

Posted by jcasalou on 9/30/2008 at 10:20 AM ET 125 Points
We are looking to establish a name for ourselves at the university. Our goal is to raise funds for the 2009 season. I have several ideas but would like some input from other marketers!

What are some good ways to create a buzz on campus?

Target groups to attract dollars?

Items to have potential sponsors logos on?

This is something that we would like to launch early 2009. Our goal is to generate enough money for uniforms, equipment (balls, goals, corner flags), expenses (referee fees, travel costs).
To continue reading this question and the solution, sign up ... it's free!
SUBSCRIBE
Or, SIGN IN

RESPONSES

  • Posted on 9/30/2008 at 10:30 AM Accepted
    Are there dues to be a part of the club? If not, that's probably the best place to start.
    You can get sponsors to donate items you can then auction or raffle. Your uniforms could have a sponsor's logo, where perhaps all the sponsor does is cover the actual cost of the equipment in order to display their logo.
    A large event is often the best way to raise money-- you might get a popular local band to give a concert, get a local hot spot to offer a cheap-beer night, or throw a large house party with a cover charge. You could also do a bikini car wash, start an apartment cleaning service or offer some other service for a fee.
    The more creative you get and the more energy you have to promote it, the more money you'll be able to make!
  • Posted by CarolBlaha on 9/30/2008 at 10:38 AM Accepted
    Create excitement around the school by doing special events. Tap into your area., local pubs, etc for help. Cause what is popular in one place might not be in another. Remember that the team is made of individuals-- market them as individuals as well as your group. Get your media sponsor first-- they will be your ally in getting the word out.

    As far as sponsors-- build you base around contacts you know. When I have tackled a fundraising project, I set a meeting and we just brainstorm who we know, what businesses would benefit from association. Then we create a master list and assign who will contact that group.

    Hope that helps., good luck!

    Sell Well and Prosper tm
  • Posted by jcasalou on 9/30/2008 at 11:09 AM Author
    We are currently in the second year of the program and have no university backing at all. Counting on university dollars is a waste of time for us. Last year each player paid $500 to cover all the expenses.

    This year the sponsorship packet fell apart and the club is extremely unorganized. My goal is to change this for next year.

    As for having sponsor logos on our jersey's that might not work. Even without school funding we are still affiliated with the school. Therefore we would have to get sponsor logo approval from the university which probably won't happen.

    I've come up with an idea of having vinyl signage with sponsor logos that can double as backstops to block missed shots etc.

    I appreciate the suggestions thus far!
  • Posted by CarolBlaha on 9/30/2008 at 11:19 AM Member
    You can still have the school logo and a sponsor logo. Put the sponsor logo on a sleeve and school on the back. You can do signage as you state, and repeat the signage on every marketing piece you do. Take out a booth at a local show, farmers market and repeat the signage. Put banners or flags with logos in the stand. Sell logo soccer balls. Sell everything. Look for places to sell logo placement. If there is a local popular pub get them involved. Get their suppliers involved. Beverage (alcohol) reps have big pockets for promos. Its too bad with the school. they are directly benefiting from your team/ Research groups outside the school for athletic grants.
  • Posted on 10/1/2008 at 5:42 PM Member
    Do you have a university rugby team? If so perhaps you can work with them on something. Our soccer team always got along with the rugby guys.

    Do you have a football team? Perhaps have a wager on who can out kick the field goal kicker competition to raise funds.

    Pick a slower local bar, especially on one of their slow nights and see if you can get a portion of the sales if you invite a certain amount of people there for an event.
  • Posted by saul.dobney on 10/3/2008 at 6:06 AM Accepted
    Run a tournament. Charge for entry. Sell the tournament sponsorship to local businesses. That way you increase your profile, find more participants, have a focus of activity and encourage spectators. Focus on local recruiters and student outlets for sponsorship. The tournament with documents, paperwork etc becomes the location of the sponsors message.
BACK TO TOP

Post a Comment

Related Discussions

Community Info

Top 25 Experts
(Strategy)