How To Get A Sponsor

You don't have to be a tourney team to get sponsorship. Here's how.

Some rules
Don't ask for much. You're not looking to completely outfit the entire gang. Always ensure your sponsor is getting something back. Be aware of what the sponsor wants in return for their generosity ('cause that's what it is). It may be as simple a wearing their patch on your cammies. They may want their logo on your banner. Who knows? However, if you feel you can't provide what they want, then decline the offer. Ask present sponsors if they can connect you to others who would be willing to sponsor you. The first sponsor is the most difficult. Once you have a sponsor, you can use them as a reference when approaching other potential sponsors. Don't just concentrate on paintball businesses. Locally owned sporting goods stores, restaurants, sports bars and the like may be willing to sponsor teams. Hey, you might even get the staff out to play and become members. (The reason why I specifically said "locally owned" is that the owner is usually in the store, and no one has to phone "head office" and wade through red tape to approve your request.) Don't get pushy. Don't expect an answer right away. In fact, actually offer them time to think about your request and leave your phone number with them.

Now you are almost ready to go looking for sponsors. But first, you must . . .

Establish a good reputation in the local area
You should be well-mannered, polite, sportsmanlike and helpful at the local fields. You should be safe, fun loving and a general delight to be around. I worked as field staff for about a decade and there were groups I looked forwards to all month to see come out again. You can't know what that means to a field owner and the staff. Your "rep" becomes your resume when you ask for sponsorship.

Look for local area sponsors
Seeing how the field thinks you're the greatest think since slinky remote hoses, ask him for a small sponsorship. Perhaps he could cut playing fees, or paint prices, or whatever he is willing to do. Approach local stores, businesses and the like. Use your first sponsor as a reference.

Get sponsors through your sponsors
Okay, so now you're sponsored by the local field and the local store. Think about this: Where do they get their paint and equipment from? Would their supplier be willing to sponsor a rec-ball team?

Talk to local tournament teams
They have all their own gear, right? Where does that go? Our club may be purchasing some equipment from a local tourney team who offered it to us to lend to new players who didn't have their own equipment. They may even decide to sponsor you directly (becoming a middle man between you and their sponsors). If they're smart, they'll realize that your rec-ball group is the perfect place from which to recruit new team members.