Fundraising Ideas for Sports Clubs: 20 Revenue Builders

Running a grassroots sports club costs more every year — kit, equipment, pitch hire, league fees, coaching. These 20 ideas help clubs build sustainable revenue.

Sponsorship

1. Kit sponsorship — Approach local businesses. Junior clubs: £200-1,000. Senior clubs: £500-5,000. Offer logo on shirts, social media mentions, and matchday presence.
Return: £200-5,000/season

2. Match sponsorship — Businesses sponsor individual matches for £50-200. Name in programme, social media, and matchday announcement.

3. Ground/facility naming rights — For clubs with their own facilities. The "[Business Name] Arena" approach works even at grassroots level.

4. Training kit sponsorship — A second sponsorship opportunity separate from match kit. Lower price point, different business.

Events

5. End of season dinner & awards — Ticket price covers dinner + contribution to club. Add raffle, auction, and pledge drive.
Return: £1,000-10,000

6. Tournament hosting — Organise a tournament in your sport. Charge per team entry. BBQ, bar, and refreshments on site.
Return: £1,000-5,000

7. Quiz night — Low-cost, high-engagement. Monthly or quarterly at the clubhouse or local pub.
Return: £300-1,500

8. Race night — Virtual horse/dog racing with betting slips. Always popular with sports communities.
Return: £500-2,000

9. Charity match — Veterans vs current squad, or a novelty match (fancy dress, mixed gender). Spectators donate.
Return: £500-3,000

10. Golf day — Teams of 4, 18 holes, dinner and prizes afterwards. Premium corporate appeal.
Return: £2,000-10,000

Regular Income

11. 100 Club / monthly lottery — Members pay £5-10/month. One winner per draw, rest goes to club. Runs itself.
Return: £2,000-10,000/year

12. Membership scheme — Annual membership with benefits: priority tickets, kit discount, social events.
Return: Variable

13. Clubhouse / facility hire — Rent out for parties, meetings, and events when not in use.
Return: £2,000-20,000/year

14. Bar / canteen revenue — If you have a licence, matchday bar and food is a major income stream.

Digital & Modern

15. Crowdfunding — New kit? Floodlights? Pitch renovation? Tell the story, set a target, share widely.
Return: £500-10,000

16. Sponsor a player — Supporters sponsor their favourite player's shirt number for the season. £25-100 per sponsorship.

17. Online shop — Club merchandise: scarves, beanies, hoodies, water bottles. Print on demand = zero upfront cost.

18. Easy Fundraising — Register with easyfundraising.org.uk. Members' online shopping generates passive donations.

Community

19. Community coaching sessions — Offer paid coaching for non-members. Generates income while growing the club.

20. Car boot sale — Use the club car park for a Sunday morning car boot sale. Charge per pitch.
Return: £200-1,000

Essential Tips

• Register as a CASC — Community Amateur Sports Club status unlocks Gift Aid, rate relief, and grant eligibility
• Apply for grants — Sport England, Football Foundation, your sport's governing body, and local council all offer grants
• Use pledge collection at events — PledgeNow captures the moment of generosity at dinners and events