What are the best ways to find sponsors for a soccer academy?
We are running a pro level soccer academy in Bartlesville OK, to be able to achieve our goals we are searching for sponsors.
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Sep 6, 2016
Great responses to your question, Christina! Phil Hudson's response listing big companies in the area is very impressive. On the other end of the spectrum, I had this thought: In the past when I was searching for the right organizations to join for networking purposes, I participated in a number of Chamber of Commerce organizations. I recall in my own area in MA and NH that the sales and networking group meetings often had people there who were looking for sponsors for all kinds of non-profits and education providers. The members were small businesses, the mom and pops of the locality; they and the chambers all seemed to have a strong desire for community ties. This could a resource for you as well.
Apr 18, 2014
I am interested. Let me have more information about the sponsorship.
TalkFusionDallas
"Helping people communicate better"
Apr 18, 2014
Look for local affiliations to national brands that use Soccer or sports advertising and marketing and create the link for them. Also, regional sporting goods distributors. It might seem a stretch but big brands like Nike and Gatorade also have dedicated funds budgeted to support local enterprises, the trick there is getting to the decision makers.
Use events to showcase their brands and create naming and signage opportunities and include them in all your trade and acquisition advertising.
Apr 18, 2014
As a former corporate executive, I was approached by many well founded and good spirited organizations that was looking for support.
The presentations usually viewed the needs and the ides of the operations looking for support. When approaching a business for support the presentation should show how many ways the organization can help the business meet it needs to grow within a market. Also the organization could show how to connect with the people of influence or enhance relationships.
Another words.... look from the outside in ...instead of looking from the inside out ...... Make the presentation a conversation and ask HOW CAN WE HELP?
Apr 17, 2014
Make an offer to partner with local businesses who see "soccer moms" and "soccer dads" as their target market. Supermarkets, local franchises for fast food restaurants, insurance agencies who sell health and supplemental insurance, local home improvement stores, auto parts stores, etc. The soccer academy is a good way to put their brand in front of their market, and the parents will want to support the sponsors.
Apr 17, 2014
Talk to soccer players and coaches and see who the active people are in the soccer community
Apr 17, 2014
The best ways are too contacting apparel companies direct with a proposel I would contact diadora first I deal with them and have a contact
Apr 17, 2014
It's probably obvious but it might be useful to trawl the internet, papers, LinkedIn etc for rich peeps who share a love for Soccer.
Then write a well researched and well written letter to invite them to an event where you pitch the idea. Make sure the room has other rich peeps in the room.
Rich folks like hanging around other rich folks.
Try and get a Soccer celebrity to devote a few hours of their time.
Hope this helps
Simon
Apr 17, 2014
Hi Christina,
I am a sponsorship professional and wanted to find out more information about your academy. Is it for kids, teens, or adults? I'd start by targeting soccer supply stores, such as Soccerloco (not sure if you have one there).
Apr 17, 2014
Attend a soccer game and look for the most enthusiastic person, they can lead you to the sponsors who will support your school. Put on a sort of local championship and get local TV coverage, this too will bring sponsors.
Apr 17, 2014
I'd start locally with a list like this: http://www.bdcok.org/pages/largest_employers
You have a number of large companies there who probably all have local community outreach and budget. Large corporations trade on community goodwill, especially businesses with large local impacts, like refineries, etc.
Good luck!
Apr 17, 2014
Parent that have kids playing or did in the past that had a good experience or the obvious.......companies that profit from the soccer you are playing.......local and national sporting goods, equipment, etc. However, I would start at the local level with the equipment and sporting good store, but then branch out to local super markets, auto repair shops, etc. .local business in general......national companies will take months if ever to get back to you..........been there and done that.
Apr 17, 2014
You need to find the parents of students who are good soccer players in the local high schools and colleges. Any major marketer of soccer equipment would be another natural potential sponsor.
Thanks Anetra,