How to Find Sponsors for Little League Baseball Teams
Since its inception in 1939, Little League Baseball teams have been displaying the names of sponsors on their uniforms. The practice has continued into the 21st century. Having a sponsor helps teams buy uniforms and equipment and it offsets other expenses. It also helps a local business etch itself into the fabric of the community.
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Instructions
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How to Find Sponsors for Little League Baseball Teams
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Ask local businesses. This is usually the most common method. Stress to the businesses that sponsoring a Little League team aids the community. Mention that Little League is important because it helps children develop values, like sportsmanship and teamwork. On a business level, tell the company that sponsorship helps with advertising and attracting customers.
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Seek out professional teams, which includes local minor league teams. There is an obvious connection and you might get the pros to appear at a Little League game and sign autographs or to give a clinic on baseball techniques.
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Ask former players, even if they no longer live nearby. Chances are, if they had a positive experience, they wouldn't mind donating a sponsorship. It's also a way to stay connected to their hometown.
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Check around the league for potential sponsors. Maybe a player's grandfather owns a successful business in another town and would love to help. He might have not considered sponsoring a team because no one asked him.
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Give sponsors choices. In addition to putting their names on uniforms, businesses could sponsor a fence sign, programs or scorecards.
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Tips & Warnings
Have the players write thank you notes to the sponsors. It helps both ways. The sponsors see a tangible benefit of their donation, while the kids show an appreciation for the financial support.
Invite the sponsors to a game to throw out the first pitch on a sponsors' recognition day. They might be more likely to continue their sponsorship for the next season if they feel a part of the league.
Keep in touch with the sponsors during the offseason. Send a holiday card or stop by the shop to chat for a few minutes. It's another way to make them feel like they're part of the organization.
Businesses are allowed to advertise that they sponsor a local Little League team. They're not allowed to claim to be official sponsors of Little League Baseball.
Little League has a wholesome image. Consequently, they can't accept a business that deals with alcohol or tobacco as a sponsor.
The sponsorship turnover could be greater some years than others. A league might lose sponsors if they're connected to a child who no longer plays. Also, in a bad economy businesses might pull out.
