Discover high-profit, easy-to-run fundraising ideas that will help your team cover uniforms, travel, and tournament costs.
Running a youth soccer team requires more than just talent and teamwork—it also requires funding. From uniforms and equipment to tournament fees, travel costs, and field rentals, the expenses add up quickly. That’s why a solid fundraising plan is essential for teams that want to focus on the game instead of financial stress.
But the challenge isn’t just fundraising—it’s finding fundraisers that actually work.
This guide covers the best soccer fundraising ideas that will help your team raise more money efficiently while keeping players, parents, and supporters engaged.
Why Soccer Teams Need Fundraising
A successful fundraiser helps teams cover expenses while building community support. Here are the most common costs that teams need to fund:
Common Soccer Team Expenses
- Uniforms & Equipment – Jerseys, cleats, soccer balls, and goalie gear can be expensive.
- Tournament & League Fees – Competitive teams often have entry fees for events.
- Travel Costs – Teams traveling for away games or tournaments need funding for transportation, lodging, and meals.
- Field Rentals & Maintenance – Many teams rent practice fields or contribute to field upkeep.
With the right fundraising strategy, teams can raise money efficiently while keeping the focus on the sport.
Top 10 Soccer Fundraising Ideas That Work
1. Kick-a-Thon Fundraiser
A kick-a-thon is a fun, competitive, and profitable soccer fundraising event.
- Players collect pledges based on the number of goals they score.
- Organize it as a team event to involve family and friends.
- Boost earnings by selling snacks, t-shirts, and raffle tickets during the event.
2. Custom Team Merchandise
Selling branded t-shirts, hoodies, and hats is a great way to fundraise while promoting team spirit.
- Use an online store or print-on-demand service to eliminate inventory risks.
- Offer personalized gear (e.g., jerseys with player names and numbers).
- Sell merchandise at games, online, and through school or community events.
3. Local Business Sponsorships
Partnering with local businesses can provide teams with reliable funding.
- Offer sponsorship packages in exchange for logo placement on jerseys, banners, or team websites.
- Approach businesses that align with youth sports, such as restaurants, gyms, and sporting goods stores.
- Create tiered sponsorship levels (e.g., Gold, Silver, Bronze) to encourage participation.
4. Raffle Fundraisers
A raffle is a simple, effective way to raise money fast.
- Sell raffle tickets for a chance to win donated prizes (gift cards, soccer gear, electronics).
- Partner with local businesses to sponsor prizes in exchange for promotion.
- Hold a 50/50 raffle at home games, splitting the pot between the team and a lucky winner.
5. Car Wash Fundraiser
A car wash fundraiser is an easy and fun way for soccer teams to raise money while engaging with the community.
- Choose a high-traffic location (e.g., school parking lot, local gas station).
- Pre-sell tickets to guarantee revenue even if customers don’t show up.
- Have players wear team jerseys to boost community recognition.
6. Restaurant Fundraising Night
Many restaurants offer fundraising nights where they donate a portion of sales to a cause.
- Partner with popular local restaurants (Chipotle, Panera, or a local diner).
- Promote the event via social media, email, and flyers.
- Encourage players, parents, and supporters to dine in or order takeout.
7. Crowdfunding Campaign
Online fundraising is one of the easiest ways to reach a wider audience.
- Use platforms like GoFundMe, Fundraising.com, or Donorbox to collect donations.
- Share the campaign via social media, email, and local news outlets.
- Offer incentives, such as team shout outs or signed soccer balls for donors.
8. Soccer Skills Camp for Kids
Hosting a youth soccer clinic is a great way to fundraise while giving back to the community.
- Charge a registration fee for kids to learn from team players and coaches.
- Secure a free field and ask for sponsorships to cover expenses.
- Provide a free t-shirt or certificate to participants as an added bonus.
9. Community Yard Sale
Organizing a team yard sale is a great way to raise funds while recycling unused items.
- Ask players and parents to donate gently used clothes, toys, books, and sports gear.
- Set up the sale at a school parking lot, church, or local community center.
- Combine the yard sale with a bake sale or raffle for extra earnings.
10. 50/50 Raffle at Games
One of the easiest ways to raise money at soccer games.
- Sell raffle tickets before and during the game.
- Half the proceeds go to the team, while the winner gets the other half.
- Announce the winner at halftime to create excitement.
How to Get Players & Parents Involved in Fundraising
A fundraiser’s success depends on team and parent participation. Here’s how to keep everyone engaged:
1. Create a Team Fundraising Challenge
- Offer prizes for top fundraisers (e.g., free team gear, restaurant gift cards).
- Set a team goal and celebrate when it’s reached.
- Use a fundraising thermometer to track progress visually.
2. Assign Fundraising Roles
- Have parents manage different aspects of the fundraiser (sponsorships, event planning, social media).
- Players can help by selling merchandise, sharing donation links, or reaching out to businesses.
3. Use Social Media to Spread the Word
- Post regular updates about fundraising progress.
- Share photos and videos of players and events to engage supporters.
- Use hashtags like #SupportYouthSoccer to increase visibility.
How to Promote Your Soccer Fundraiser for Maximum Success
1. Use Flyers & Posters in the Community
- Place them in local businesses, schools, coffee shops, and community centers.
- Include a QR code linking to the online fundraiser.
2. Leverage Email Marketing
- Send updates to team parents, family, and community members.
- Offer special promotions (e.g., “Donate $50 and get a free team t-shirt”).
3. Partner with Local Media
- Reach out to local newspapers, radio stations, and community websites.
- Pitch your fundraiser as a great way to support local youth sports.
Conclusion: Start Your Soccer Fundraiser Today
A soccer fundraiser is more than just raising money—it’s about bringing the team and community together. With the right approach, your team can successfully fundraise for uniforms, travel, equipment, and more.
Ready to launch your soccer fundraiser?
Visit Fundraising.com to explore expert fundraising solutions tailored for soccer teams.