Fundraising ideas for your grassroots football club

This month we’re exploring innovative ideas to boost your club’s budget.

Grassroots sports clubs are the backbone of our communities, providing children with the opportunity to develop their athletic skills, build friendships and learn valuable life lessons. However, running these clubs can be costly. From maintaining facilities and purchasing equipment to covering travel expenses for matches, the financial demands are significant. That's where creative fundraising comes in.

We believe in supporting grassroots sports and have compiled a list of innovative fundraising ideas from our wonderful community of parents and coaches that can help your club thrive.

1. Club Tournaments

Perhaps a no-brainer. Hosting a tournament is a fantastic way to raise funds. Invite local teams to participate in a friendly competition. Charge an entry fee for each team and consider selling tickets and fixture lists to spectators. You can also charge for parking, refreshments and use it as a retail space with a captive audience. If you have a printed fixture programme then you can approach local businesses for advertising and sponsorships. Tournaments can be tailored to different age groups and skill levels, ensuring that everyone gets a chance to play. Work with local operators who offer additional services who are willing to give the club a percentage of their sales for being part of the event – from photography services (print on demand) to paid-for activities like a coconut shy or basketball hoop for non-participating siblings.

2. Raffles and Auctions

Raffles are a tried-and-true method for fundraising. Sell tickets in advance and at club events, offering appealing prizes donated by local businesses. Another option is to host an auction, either silent or live. Auction off items such as sports memorabilia, donated goods and services, or even a signed shirt from a local sports star. These events can generate significant funds while fostering a sense of community. Raffles can also be held online using Facebook as a great way to engage your community without all the hassle of organising a face-to-face event. 

3. Boot Swaps

As we all know, children grow out of their sports gear quickly, leaving parents constantly purchasing new items. Organise a boot swap event where families can exchange gently used boots and other equipment. Charge a small fee for participation and consider selling teas & coffees or holding a raffle at the same time. This not only raises funds but also helps parents save money and ensures that every child has the gear they need. Some clubs have event tried the same with football trading cards with a small fee for taking part.

4. Parent vs. Coaches Matches

Nothing brings a community together like a bit of friendly competition. Organise a match between parents and coaches, charging an admission fee for each team and also the spectators. This event can be a fun way to engage the entire club, with families coming out to support and cheer. You can also sell refreshments and merchandise to raise additional funds. If the weather is good and you have access to a BBQ then selling hot dogs or burgers to hungy spectators is a winner!

5. Sponsorship and Partnerships

Seek out sponsorships from local businesses. Offer to display their logos on team kits, banners, social media or promotional materials in exchange for their financial support. Creating partnerships with businesses can provide a steady stream of income and foster stronger community ties.

6. Fundraising Fun Runs

Organise a fun run where participants collect sponsorships based on the distance they run. This can be a family-friendly event, encouraging fitness and participation from all ages. Set up a course in a local park and provide refreshments and entertainment to create a welcoming atmosphere.

7. Club Merchandise

Design and sell club-branded merchandise such as t-shirts, hoodies, beanies, water bottles and boot bags. These items can be sold online, at matches and during club events. Not only does this raise funds, but it also promotes club pride and unity. We recommend using a print-on-demand service so there is no capital outlay or risk if stock is unsold.

8. Community Clean-Up Days

Organise a community clean-up day where club members and their families help tidy up local parks or other public spaces. Seek sponsorship for the event from local businesses or charge a participation fee. This is a great way to give back to the community while raising money for the club.

9. Skill Clinics and Training Camps

Offer specialised training sessions or skill clinics led by your coaches or guest trainers. Charge a fee for participation and advertise the event to local players looking to improve their skills. This not only raises funds but also enhances the reputation of your club as a centre of excellence.

10. Online Crowdfunding

Set up a crowdfunding campaign on platforms like GoFundMe or JustGiving. Share your club's story, outlining what the funds will be used for and how they will benefit the players. Use social media to promote the campaign and encourage parents, coaches and the wider community to contribute and share the campaign.

11. Advertising Boards

If you have the space, consider implementing a lockable poster case in the entrance to your club to display advertisements for local businesses. Or, if you already have a bulletin board then charge a monthly fee for advertising.

12. Affiliate Reward Schemes

You can also raise funds for your club by joining an affiliate scheme.

Our Laceeze Affiliate Reward Scheme for example is really easy to set up and your club can start earning commission straight away. Everyone who uses your unique code will receive 10% discount off all their orders for life and your club will earn 10% commission with every purchase they make. Your commission will automatically be allocated to your ‘Friend of Laceeze’ affiliate account and can be transferred to a PayPal or bank account at anytime.

To set your club up now visit here.

A Word from a Club Chairperson

We spoke with the chairperson of Bransgore Football Club, Hannah Ware, who shared her thoughts on the importance of fundraising:

“Fundraising is essential for a grassroots clubs like ours. It’s not just about the money; it’s about building a community around the club. Events like parent vs. coaches matches and boot swaps are brilliant because they bring everyone together while supporting the club financially. With the right ideas and community spirit any club can thrive. It’s a lot of hard work at times but the rewards are worth it.”

Getting Started

To get started with your fundraising efforts, form a fundraising committee within your club. This group can brainstorm ideas, plan events and coordinate with volunteers. It’s also a decent excuse to have an evening at your local pub! Make sure to promote your events through social media, local newspapers and community notice boards to maximise participation.

Engage with local businesses and community leaders to gain their support, whether through sponsorships, donations or by providing venues for events. Remember, the key to successful fundraising is community involvement and creating events that people are excited to attend. This will make planning future events much easier as demand will be higher. Make sure after each event you publish pictures and videos on social media to create interest for next time.

At Laceeze, we’re proud to support grassroots sports and are excited to see how these fundraising strategies can help your club grow and succeed. Although we don’t offer kit sponsorship, we do endeavour to help where we can in other ways (such as raffle prizes and supply of team bands to struggling teams) on a case-by-case basis. Visit our foundation page here

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If you have your own fundraising tips or stories then please head over to Pitchside Parents Hub on Facebook to join in the discussion.

Don’t forget to tag @Laceeze on socials with your ideas so that we can give you a shout out!