Grassroots football in the Philippines is growing stronger every year. More children, parents, and communities are discovering the joy of the sport, and clubs are becoming safe spaces for young players to learn discipline, teamwork, and passion for the game.
But building and sustaining a grassroots football club isn’t cheap. Field rentals, equipment, uniforms, tournaments, and coaching all require funds—and this is where sponsorships and partnerships become crucial. The challenge? Many clubs struggle to attract meaningful sponsorships or fail to maximize the ones they do get.
Here’s a step-by-step guide on how grassroots football clubs in the Philippines can effectively secure and make the most out of sponsorships/partnerships.
1. Understand What Sponsors Are Really Looking For
Sponsors don’t just give money out of charity—they are looking for value, visibility, and connection.
Value: How will supporting your club benefit their brand or business?
Visibility: Will their logo, name, or products reach their target audience through your events and programs?
Connection: Does sponsoring your club make them part of a meaningful cause—like youth development, education, health, or community impact?
👉 Tip: Frame your club as a community partner rather than just a team asking for money.
2. Build Your Club’s Story and Identity
Every grassroots club has a unique story. Sponsors buy into stories, not just logos on jerseys.
Share your club’s origin story (why it was formed, who it serves).
Highlight impact numbers: e.g., “We currently train 80 kids from ages 7–15, many from underprivileged communities.”
Showcase success stories: players improving academically, joining varsity teams, or earning scholarships.
👉 Tip: Create a short but powerful Club Profile Deck (3–5 slides) with your story, photos, player numbers, and community reach.
3. Identify the Right Types of Sponsors
Not every sponsor needs to be a big corporation. In the Philippine setting, clubs can diversify:
Local Businesses: car dealerships, restaurants, gyms, water refilling stations, printing shops. They benefit from community exposure.
Schools & Universities: partnerships for talent pipelines and scholarships.
Corporate Brands: sportswear, energy drinks, banks, telcos—brands that want youth and family engagement.
Government & NGOs: LGUs, DepEd, and NGOs focused on youth development, education, or health.
Parents’ Companies: many club parents work in companies that may consider small sponsorships for CSR.
👉 Tip: Start local. A nearby business owner is often more willing to sponsor than a national brand.
4. Offer Creative Sponsorship Packages
Move beyond just “logo on jersey.” Sponsors will want more value-add exposure. Here are ideas:
Jersey Sponsorships: Front (major sponsor), back, sleeves, shorts.
Event Sponsorships: Their banner displayed during tournaments or festivals.
Digital Sponsorships: Logos on your social media posts, match-day graphics, live streams.
Naming Rights: “XYZ Cup” or “ABC Youth League.”
In-kind Partnerships: Water, uniforms, equipment, food, transportation services.
CSR Storytelling: Produce short videos showing how the sponsor’s support is changing kids’ lives.
👉 Tip: Bundle packages at different levels (e.g., Gold ₱100k, Silver ₱50k, Bronze ₱20k), so sponsors can choose based on budget.
5. Strengthen Your Online Presence
Many clubs underestimate how important social media presence is in today’s sponsorship game.
Post regularly: training sessions, matches, tournaments, player spotlights.
Highlight sponsors creatively: “Thank you to Onefutbol Pizza for fueling our kids after training!”
Use Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok—these are where your sponsors’ audiences are.
👉 Tip: Consistency builds trust. If sponsors see an active club page, they’ll know their brand will actually be seen.
6. Activate Your Community
Sponsors love being linked to a supportive, visible community.
Encourage parents and players to support sponsor businesses.
Invite sponsors to events, give them a chance to speak or hand awards.
Feature sponsor representatives in photos or social posts.
Tag them on social media—this expands reach into their own audience.
👉 Tip: Turn sponsorships into two-way partnerships. The more they feel engaged, the longer they’ll support.
7. Think Long-Term Partnerships, Not One-Off Deals
A one-time jersey sponsor helps for a season. But a long-term partner sustains the club.
Keep sponsors updated with quarterly reports: photos, highlights, community impact.
Send thank-you letters or small tokens after tournaments.
Invite them to planning sessions so they feel part of your journey.
👉 Tip: Treat sponsors like part of the family. Make them proud to say, “We support this club.”
8. Measure and Communicate Impact
Sponsors want to see results. Always track and share:
Reach: How many kids, parents, and community members are engaged.
Visibility: Social media impressions, event audience size.
Impact: Scholarships earned, tournaments played, kids’ personal growth stories.
👉 Tip: End every season with a short Sponsor Report Deck—with pictures, stories, and key numbers. This makes renewal easier.
9. Tap into Philippine Football’s Bigger Narrative
Philippine football is growing—from grassroots tournaments to the rise of the Azkals and Filipinas. Sponsors know football connects with youth, family, health, and international aspiration.
Position your club as part of this bigger movement.
Show how their support builds the future of Philippine football.
👉 Tip: The narrative isn’t just “help us play,” but “help us build the next generation of Filipino footballers.”
10. Be Professional and Organized
Finally, sponsorship is about trust. Show sponsors you are serious and organized.
Always use proper proposals (not just verbal requests).
Have a club email, letterhead, and formal documents.
Deliver what you promised (logo placement, shoutouts, event visibility).
Never miss deadlines or commitments.
👉 Tip: A small grassroots club that looks professional will always stand out.
Final Thoughts
Grassroots football clubs in the Philippines don’t need to wait for big corporations to notice them. With the right storytelling, creativity, and professionalism, even small community clubs can attract meaningful sponsorships and partnerships.
At the end of the day, sponsors are not just investing in jerseys or banners—they are investing in children, dreams, and communities.
If your club can show that every peso goes into shaping disciplined, confident, and inspired young Filipinos, then you’ll never run out of partners willing to stand with you.
