3.
HUSTLE ON AND OFF THE COURT/FIELD
4. 5.
TURN POINTS INTO PAID SPONSORSHIPS
If possible, athletes should pick up some extra work to earn funds for their team. Help your parents in any way possible, whether it’s cutting grass for money or finding a part-time job. Or help beautify your community while making money. Pick a day that all teammates are available, and go out into the community. To start, print some flyers and hang them up or pass them out to your neighbors. Do yard work, shovel snow, wash cars, help neighbors move, clean up someone’s backyard, or ask about any other tasks that community members want done. Pool your money at the end and donate to the team’s collective fund. It can be difficult to balance school and sports, let alone with a job, but if you feel like you are organized and can handle an intense schedule then go for it! Of course, be careful and always have a parent go with you, especially when working for people you don’t know.
Working as a team really does pay off. Brands such as Nike, Adidas, Russell and Under Armor sponsor teams that they know will represent their brand well. If you cannot get these international brands to sponsor your team, find some local companies who would be interested in investing in your organization in exchange for their logo on your jersey or other promotion.
THE COMMUNITY IS YOUR BACKBONE
Court and gym time can be very costly. Often, local organizations are willing to help athletes and younger teams, so work with your community and team leader to find the proper setting to practice in. Talk to all of the local organizations in your neighborhood. Parks, recreation centers, schools and even churches can be safe and reliable places to practice for organizations. If you’re lucky, you may be able to get the space for free. ENTREPRENEURSHIP & ECONOMICS 17