3 Ways to Support Your School’s Sports Team

School athletic programs play a key role in early childhood to teen development. A study conducted by the University of Montreal shows that sports (regardless of type) are extremely beneficial to young adults, as it teaches them discipline, teamwork, time management, and perseverance, among other things. Additionally, physical activity improves a child’s cognitive abilities and keeps them fit, which plays a crucial role in their overall health.

Despite these benefits, many local schools still struggle to keep their sports programs afloat. The cost of uniforms, equipment, or travel expenses to sporting meet-ups and events requires funding, which are inclusions in a typical school budget that’s rarely afforded. Alumni may want to support their school’s sports team in various ways, from designing custom baller bracelets with their school’s name on them or partnering with local businesses to support a fundraising event.

The beautiful opportunity in this is that anyone, regardless of their athletic ability or previous sports experience, can contribute to supporting their school’s sports team. Listed are three ways you can spark positive conversations within your community for greater charitable contributions.

1. Build a relationship with your local media

The classic marketing tactic of “people only buy what they know” is applicable here. No matter how “popular” your local school’s sports team is, most people in the community don’t pay particular attention to it after they graduate. This is particularly evident for sports that are not considered “fun,” like synchronized swimming, rowing, or chess.

But, you can encourage support by having a strong connection with your local media. Befriend reporters from your local newspaper or have an arrangement with your local radio station—no matter what you choose, the goal is to get your message of support out there. It is true that local reporters may not attend every event, but you are at least giving them plenty of opportunities to do so.

Speaking regularly also builds interest in the community as they get to see (or hear) positive examples of young people achieving success by playing a sport they love. Aside from talking about events or tournaments, drum up interest by sharing human interest stories about local athletes. Maybe there’s an athlete that displayed exceptional sportsmanship during an event or another athlete who is overcoming an injury or disability. Sharing human interest stories helps make your sports team more relatable, which has the added benefit of more financial contributions.

2. Create fundraising events 

Creating a fundraising event for your local sports team is arguably the best way to receive financial support. Unlike the previous example that raises awareness that your teams exist, fundraising events are clear on their purpose: your team needs funding. There are many ways that you can raise the funds that you need, though the most common would be to host a 5k or 10k run. In addition to these events, you can also consider designing custom baller bracelets or other types of promotional items to raise even more money while also raising awareness.

You are not limited though to physical activities for your fundraising. Many people are now considering charitable endeavors, such as serving dinner or playing games at a shelter for homeless families or volunteering at a senior care facility. These types of fundraising events hit two birds with one stone, as you get to support your sports team while also serving other sectors of your community. There is also the added benefit of goodwill. As you help more people, your work will become associated with your sports team, which makes people more willing to support them.

3. Develop a community program

This will take a little bit more effort on your part, but the results are priceless. The goal is to get your community involved so that even alumni continue to support their schools. You have free rein over how your specific community program will look, but try to develop a curriculum where an older athlete “takes care” of a younger one, hopefully one that’s still in school. The older athlete becomes a mentor and guides the younger athlete on their specific sport while also giving life advice. Over time, you develop a sports-themed fraternity or sorority in your community.

One example of a community program is the MILO® Barangay Liga, a grassroots basketball tournament that now helps over 200 barangays around the country spread awareness about the importance of sports for children. This program not only refurbishes barangay courts to offer more opportunities for the young to be more active, but also asks parents (mostly moms) to share active and healthy lifestyle changes.

Design a community program that suits your goals and what your specific sports team would want or need. Some athletic departments even implement a student-athlete ambassador program where alumni athletes regularly visit their schools to teach life skills.

No matter how you do it, supporting your school sports team is an enriching and fun experience. With research suggesting that fewer kids today are participating in sports, it has become all the more important that people promote good, healthy habits through their local sports programs.