Fundraising is a crucial aspect of keeping high school sports programs alive and thriving. It fuels travel expenses, team gear, equipment, and sometimes even basics like field or court upkeep. While bake sales and car washes have their place, custom team apparel has emerged as a powerhouse for high school sports fundraising. Not only does it raise money, but it also builds team spirit and community pride. Let’s dive into how custom gear can transform your team’s fundraising efforts and explore some strategies to make it a winning approach!

Why Custom Team Apparel Works as a Fundraiser

Imagine walking into a school gym packed with fans on game day, with everyone wearing your team’s colors and logo. There’s a powerful sense of unity and pride when fans—parents, friends, teachers, and students—are all decked out in team apparel. Custom team gear gives supporters a way to feel like part of the team and show off their school pride, all while supporting the athletic program financially. And for athletes, seeing fans in team gear can be a real confidence boost. Knowing that their community is visibly rallying behind them can fuel their performance, especially during high-stakes games.

Beyond building a sense of community, custom team apparel is an easy way to generate funds. With modern printing and customization options, high-quality gear can be produced at a reasonable cost, leaving plenty of room to sell items at a markup. And because team spirit never goes out of style, you don’t have to worry about “expiration dates”—team hoodies, caps, and t-shirts are relevant long after the season ends.

How to Get Started with Custom Gear Fundraising

1. Create a Game Plan

Before diving in, it’s essential to strategize. Consider what types of gear will resonate most with your community. For colder climates, hoodies, beanies, and jackets might be popular. In warmer areas, you might focus on t-shirts, caps, and even water bottles. Surveying students and families can help you understand what products will sell best, ensuring you’re not left with unsold inventory.

Think about your team’s budget and set realistic goals. How much do you need to raise to cover essential expenses? Setting a target gives everyone something concrete to work toward, whether that’s new uniforms, travel expenses, or improvements to training facilities.

2. Set Up an Online Store for Easy Access

Thanks to online platforms, selling custom gear is easier than ever. Online stores like Prep Sportswear would provide a centralized place where fans can browse, select, and purchase items. Plus, it’s convenient—supporters can order from the comfort of their homes, and the store can remain open all year. This means fans can continue buying even in the off-season, generating funds long after the last game of the season.

One team that successfully used an online store was the high school volleyball team in my hometown. They set up a store that stayed open year-round and even launched new designs for special events like playoffs and homecoming. This strategy kept the momentum going and built anticipation for new releases.

3. Choose a Variety of Products to Appeal to Different Fans

Offering a range of products increases your chances of making sales. Some people may prefer a simple t-shirt, while others might go for a hoodie, cap, or even a team-branded water bottle. Many online stores offer customizable options, allowing fans to add their names or choose their favorite colors.

For example, consider offering two or three “tiers” of merchandise:

  • Everyday Gear: affordable t-shirts, wristbands, and stickers, perfect for students and budget-conscious fans.
  • Mid-Range Gear: items like hoodies, caps, and sweatpants, priced slightly higher but ideal for parents or dedicated fans.
  • Premium Gear: limited-edition jackets, athletic wear, or personalized items that are more expensive but make great keepsakes.

When a high school football team in Pennsylvania experimented with premium varsity jackets, they found it was a massive hit among seniors and alumni. The higher price point didn’t deter sales—it added to the items’ exclusivity, making them even more desirable.

4. Encourage Team Involvement to Drive Sales

Team members can be some of your best marketers. Encourage athletes to wear the apparel, showcase it on social media, and promote it among their friends and family. You might even hold contests or incentives, such as rewarding the player who brings in the most sales with free gear or a small prize.

In one successful example, a high school basketball team in Texas held a “Fan Gear Day” where players showcased the gear and took photos with students and fans who purchased items. This event not only promoted the apparel but also created a sense of camaraderie, bringing the team closer to their supporters.

5. Hold Special Events to Launch or Promote the Gear

Consider hosting a “Team Spirit Night” or “Gear Launch Party” at a game or school event. Set up a booth where fans can see and purchase items in person, try on samples, and place orders. Such events can be particularly effective at the beginning of the season or during big games when you have a larger audience.

One team I know of held a half-time raffle during their homecoming game, where they gave away a few pieces of team apparel. The buzz created by the giveaway increased interest in their merchandise, and fans lined up to buy gear after the game.

6. Leverage Social Media to Reach a Wider Audience

Social media is a powerful tool for promoting team apparel and reaching a wider audience. Encourage team members, coaches, and parents to share photos and testimonials about the gear. Consider creating hashtags, like #GoTigers or #TeamGearTuesday, to boost visibility.

One local team created a “Wear It Wednesday” campaign, encouraging students to wear their team gear every Wednesday and post photos using a special hashtag. This weekly tradition sparked school-wide interest, creating a steady stream of online promotion.

7. Monitor Sales and Get Feedback

As the season progresses, keep an eye on what’s selling and what isn’t. If certain items aren’t moving, consider offering discounts or bundling them with more popular items. Don’t hesitate to get feedback from your buyers—parents, students, and faculty may have valuable insights that help you adjust your product lineup or marketing strategy.

After your fundraiser wraps up, consider surveying those who bought items. This can provide insights into what they liked, what could be improved, and what products they might be interested in next season.

Conclusion

Fundraising with custom team gear is about more than just making money. It’s a way to build school spirit, strengthen team identity, and create a sense of pride within the community. From t-shirts and hoodies to premium varsity jackets, team apparel offers something for everyone while supporting the school’s athletic program.

For any team looking to enhance their fundraising, custom gear offers an exciting and profitable option. With the right planning, a diverse product selection, and plenty of enthusiasm from players and fans, custom apparel can be a game-changer for high school sports programs everywhere. So rally the team, pick out some great designs, and watch as your community comes together, one piece of team gear at a time.