Best Fundraising Ideas for Sports Clubs

Sports clubs play a valuable role in the lives of millions of people all over the country. As well as building friendships and helping their communities, they also encourage people to live more active lifestyles, improving physical and mental health as a result.

Fundraising is a vital part of ensuring that sports clubs can continue to function, thrive and achieve the goals that players and staff alike work so hard for. This guide highlights some of the best fundraising ideas for sports clubs that you may not have considered.

 

Why is fundraising so important?

The vast majority of sports clubs are made up of, and run by, volunteers who do it for the love of their respective sports. This often means that they run on very small budgets, so what may seem like relatively small fundraising efforts – or small, unexpected bills – can have a major impact on their futures.

That’s why it’s so important for sports clubs to leave no stone unturned in exploring ways to make money. Every pound earned could go towards better kit and equipment, paying for team trips and tours across the country and abroad, repaying any debts incurred, or making improvements to pitches and facilities.

 

Good ideas for fundraising

Of course, there are many fundraising ideas that are part and parcel of running a sports team: pitchside advertising, kit sponsorship, website ad space and programme sales, for example. The following ideas take things a little further and consider fundraising that will produce one-off rather than regular income:

Race and quiz nights

One of the simplest and cheapest events to run is a competition night in your clubhouse, or at whichever pub is your usual meeting point. A race night gives participants the opportunity to ‘bet’ on filmed races and win either cash or spot prizes. Quiz nights, meanwhile, can cost as little as a few pounds to put together, and are especially popular in winter when people are looking for cheap indoor social activities. In either case, you should use some of the takings to provide prizes, and keep the rest as raised funds for your club.

Community activities

Getting involved in events taking place in your local area can get your club’s fundraising in front of a wider audience and build goodwill among residents. Stalls at summer fetes and festivals are good ways of attracting donations and need just a few players or staff to volunteer. As a way of attracting more interest, consider how you can get the public involved in playing your sport, such as a penalty game for football clubs, or a putting challenge for golf clubs.

Participation events

Connected to the previous point, consider holding your own open day, where people of all ages and abilities can come and sample your sport for themselves. It can be daunting for new people to enter a team environment full of existing friendships, so inviting people to events in exchange for a donation can help drum up interest and get you new players. And if you can get local street food vendors, music acts and microbreweries to take part, you might find yourself with your own annual fundraising festival!

Team challenges

Setting your team and coaches a real challenge that puts their minds and bodies to the limit can gain real interest, publicity, and donations from people in your area. This could be something as simple as giving up alcohol or volunteering to pack shopping bags at the local supermarket, or something as grand as running marathons, climbing mountains, or cycling long distances. The only limits are your initial outlay and your ambition!

Grant applications

Remember that raising funds doesn’t have to rely on the charity or interest of the community. Sports clubs are eligible for a wide range of grants, provided by public bodies to encourage healthier lifestyles. Check regularly to see if you’re eligible for the likes of Sport England small grants, the Community Asset Fund, and National Lottery funding.

 

Cover your sports club for less with Protectivity Insurance

As well as proactive fundraising, good insurance cover is just as essential for sports clubs up and down the country. Protectivity’s comprehensive sports club insurance options include public liability, employers’ liability, equipment cover and clubhouse cover, giving players and staff alike peace of mind. Combined with expert support and available from just £42 a year, our cover plays a key part in keeping people safe and securing your club’s finances.

Take a closer look at all of our sports club insurance options sports club insurance quote.

 

Get Sports Club Insurance from Protectivity

 

 

*Disclaimer – This blog has been created as general information and should not be taken as advice. Make sure you have the correct level of insurance for your requirements and always review policy documentation. Information is factually accurate at the time of publishing but may have become out of date. 

Recent Blogs

Holding a pop-up event: a useful guide Image

Events

Holding a pop-up event: a useful guide

Pop-up events  have become one of the most exciting trends in the UK event and retail scene. From temporary shop

Why mindfulness and meditation therapy is in demand Image

Therapists

Why mindfulness and meditation therapy is in demand

Across the UK, meditation and mindfulness are no longer fringe interests, they’ve become essential tools for ma

Sports therapy and massage careers: A guide to your future in the field Image

Therapists

Sports therapy and massage careers: A guide to your future in the field

In today’s health-conscious society, careers in sports therapy and massage are more relevant than ever. Whether

The rise of pop-up barber shops Image

Starting a business

The rise of pop-up barber shops

If you're a freelance barber in the UK looking to grow your business, reach new clients, and stand out in a compe

Why aromatherapy is a rising trend for a holistic therapy Image

Therapists

Why aromatherapy is a rising trend for a holistic therapy

In recent years, there’s been a noticeable shift in how people approach their wellbeing. Clients are no longer

Costly home and garden renovation and maintenance mistakes Image

Trades

Costly home and garden renovation and maintenance mistakes

Experts reveal some of the most ‘costly’ home and garden renovation and maintenance mistakes that homeowners

How much can you earn running an ice cream van? Image

Caterer

How much can you earn running an ice cream van?

Thinking about running an ice cream van? You might be wondering: Is it worth it? Can I actually make a decent liv

Do small businesses have a digital skills gap? Image

Business

Do small businesses have a digital skills gap?

In a world where technology evolves at lightning speed, many small businesses are left wondering: Are we falling

What are the most profitable sewing projects for a UK craft business? Image

Crafters

What are the most profitable sewing projects for a UK craft business?

In recent years, there’s been a noticeable shift in consumer habits toward handmade, sustainable, and personali

How to decode dog behaviour Image

Pet Business

How to decode dog behaviour

Let’s face it, dogs can do things that really test our patience. Whether it’s barking at the postie, digging

Simply find the insurance you need.