50 Companies Wanting to Sponsor Athletes in Youth Sport

Finding sponsors in youth sports can feel overwhelming, but the right partners are out there.

If you lead a youth sports organization, you know sponsorships are essential to cover costs, improve experiences for your athletes, and build lasting connections. This guide will help you discover companies actively supporting youth sports and show you exactly how to position your organization to secure valuable partnerships.

In this article, you will learn:

50 companies that frequently sponsor youth sponsor athletes
How to create sponsorship proposals that stand out
Proven strategies to approach and pitch to potential sponsors

Let's explore why so many companies invest in youth sport sponsorships and how you can benefit.

Finding sponsors in youth sports can feel overwhelming, but the right partners are out there.

If you lead a youth sports organization, you know sponsorships are essential to cover costs, improve experiences for your athletes, and build lasting connections. This guide will help you discover companies actively supporting youth sports and show you exactly how to position your organization to secure valuable partnerships.

In this article, you will learn:

50 companies that frequently sponsor youth sponsor athletes
How to create sponsorship proposals that stand out
Proven strategies to approach and pitch to potential sponsors

Let's explore why so many companies invest in youth sport sponsorships and how you can benefit.

Why Companies Invest in Youth Sports Sponsorships

Sponsoring youth sports isn’t just about putting a logo on a jersey; it’s a strategic, multifaceted investment that delivers measurable returns for brands of all sizes. Companies know that youth sports are deeply woven into the fabric of local communities, making them a powerful channel to reach families, strengthen their reputation, and build trust.

Grassroots Marketing and Community Goodwill
When companies sponsor youth teams or athletes, they demonstrate authentic support for community development. Parents notice the brands that help keep their children active, and these positive associations often translate into long-term loyalty. For example, a grocery chain sponsoring a neighbourhood soccer league isn’t simply advertising, it’s forging relationships with hundreds of families who will remember that support. According to Nielsen Sports, sports sponsorship drives higher trust and emotional connection than traditional advertising.

Early Brand Loyalty and Future Customers
Children grow up remembering which companies were there for them. Whether it’s a sporting goods retailer providing discounted uniforms or a bank funding tournament travel, these gestures plant seeds of brand familiarity and trust that last well beyond the season. Research from the International Journal of Sports Marketing and Sponsorship found that sponsorships can significantly influence purchase intent and brand preference.

Corporate Social Responsibility and Employee Engagement
Many companies prioritize giving back as part of their mission. Supporting youth sports aligns perfectly with corporate social responsibility initiatives, demonstrating a commitment to health, education, and community development. According to the Youth Sports Business Report, authenticity is considered to be the most significant advantage of youth sports marketing as it simply demonstrates commitment to the community's well-being. These sponsorships also energize employees, who often feel proud to work for companies making a difference.

Digital Amplification and Content Opportunities
Today, youth sports organizations frequently share photos, videos, and stories across social media. Sponsors gain not only local impressions but also valuable online exposure through tagged posts, highlight reels, and community updates. This digital amplification helps brands reach broader audiences while reinforcing their commitment to youth development.

By understanding why companies invest in youth sports sponsorships, you’ll be better prepared to demonstrate how partnering with your organization helps them achieve both marketing impact and community goodwill.

Why Companies Invest in Youth Sports Sponsorships

Sponsoring youth sports isn’t just about putting a logo on a jersey; it’s a strategic, multifaceted investment that delivers measurable returns for brands of all sizes. Companies know that youth sports are deeply woven into the fabric of local communities, making them a powerful channel to reach families, strengthen their reputation, and build trust.

Grassroots Marketing and Community Goodwill
When companies sponsor youth teams or athletes, they demonstrate authentic support for community development. Parents notice the brands that help keep their children active, and these positive associations often translate into long-term loyalty. For example, a grocery chain sponsoring a neighbourhood soccer league isn’t simply advertising, it’s forging relationships with hundreds of families who will remember that support. According to Nielsen Sports, sports sponsorship drives higher trust and emotional connection than traditional advertising.

Early Brand Loyalty and Future Customers
Children grow up remembering which companies were there for them. Whether it’s a sporting goods retailer providing discounted uniforms or a bank funding tournament travel, these gestures plant seeds of brand familiarity and trust that last well beyond the season. Research from the International Journal of Sports Marketing and Sponsorship found that sponsorships can significantly influence purchase intent and brand preference.

Corporate Social Responsibility and Employee Engagement
Many companies prioritize giving back as part of their mission. Supporting youth sports aligns perfectly with corporate social responsibility initiatives, demonstrating a commitment to health, education, and community development. According to the Youth Sports Business Report, authenticity is considered to be the most significant advantage of youth sports marketing as it simply demonstrates commitment to the community's well-being. These sponsorships also energize employees, who often feel proud to work for companies making a difference.

Digital Amplification and Content Opportunities
Today, youth sports organizations frequently share photos, videos, and stories across social media. Sponsors gain not only local impressions but also valuable online exposure through tagged posts, highlight reels, and community updates. This digital amplification helps brands reach broader audiences while reinforcing their commitment to youth development.

By understanding why companies invest in youth sports sponsorships, you’ll be better prepared to demonstrate how partnering with your organization helps them achieve both marketing impact and community goodwill.

How To Position Your Organization For Sponsorship

Before you approach any potential sponsor, it’s crucial to ensure your organization looks professional, credible, and aligned with the brand’s goals. Well-prepared organizations stand out immediately and inspire confidence that the partnership will be mutually beneficial.

Craft a Compelling Sponsorship Proposal
Your sponsorship proposal is often your first impression. It should clearly outline what makes your program unique and why it matters. Include:

A short history of your organization and mission
Details about your athletes, teams, and events
Specific sponsorship opportunities (e.g., jersey logos, banners, website mentions)
Data about your audience reach and demographics
Tangible benefits sponsors will receive

If you’re not sure where to start, you can download these TeamLinkt ready-to-use youth sports sponsorship letter templates to help you draft a professional and persuasive proposal in less time.

Showcase Your Audience, Reach, and Impact
Sponsors want to know who they’re reaching. Share data that demonstrates your visibility, such as:

Number of participants and families involved
Event attendance figures
Social media followers and engagement rates
Website traffic and email list size

If you don’t have these numbers yet, start collecting them now, they’re among the most persuasive tools you have.

Demonstrate Professionalism and Brand Alignment
Sponsors want to work with organizations that share their values. Make it clear how your mission connects with theirs. For example:

A health food company will value your focus on wellness and active lifestyles.
A local credit union may appreciate your emphasis on community development.
A national retailer could be interested in supporting youth empowerment initiatives.

Also, ensure all your materials, website, social media, and printed materials look professional, up to date, and consistent. A cohesive brand image builds credibility and trust. Once you have these pieces in place, you’ll be ready to start reaching out to the 50 companies listed in the next section.

How To Position Your Organization For Sponsorship

Before you approach any potential sponsor, it’s crucial to ensure your organization looks professional, credible, and aligned with the brand’s goals. Well-prepared organizations stand out immediately and inspire confidence that the partnership will be mutually beneficial.

Craft a Compelling Sponsorship Proposal
Your sponsorship proposal is often your first impression. It should clearly outline what makes your program unique and why it matters. Include:

A short history of your organization and mission
Details about your athletes, teams, and events
Specific sponsorship opportunities (e.g., jersey logos, banners, website mentions)
Data about your audience reach and demographics
Tangible benefits sponsors will receive

If you’re not sure where to start, you can download these TeamLinkt ready-to-use youth sports sponsorship letter templates to help you draft a professional and persuasive proposal in less time.

Showcase Your Audience, Reach, and Impact
Sponsors want to know who they’re reaching. Share data that demonstrates your visibility, such as:

Number of participants and families involved
Event attendance figures
Social media followers and engagement rates
Website traffic and email list size

If you don’t have these numbers yet, start collecting them now, they’re among the most persuasive tools you have.

Demonstrate Professionalism and Brand Alignment
Sponsors want to work with organizations that share their values. Make it clear how your mission connects with theirs. For example:

A health food company will value your focus on wellness and active lifestyles.
A local credit union may appreciate your emphasis on community development.
A national retailer could be interested in supporting youth empowerment initiatives.

Also, ensure all your materials, website, social media, and printed materials look professional, up to date, and consistent. A cohesive brand image builds credibility and trust. Once you have these pieces in place, you’ll be ready to start reaching out to the 50 companies listed in the next section.

50 Companies Actively Sponsoring Youth Sports Athletes

Below you’ll find 50 companies that frequently sponsor youth sports programs, athletes, and events across the U.S. and Canada. Some are national brands with large budgets, while others are regional and local businesses that love supporting their communities. Use this list as inspiration and a starting point for your outreach.

National Brands & Retailers (U.S. and Canada)

Nike – Funds youth sports initiatives through the Nike Community Impact Fund.
Adidas – Partners with clubs and offers equipment and sponsorship grants.
Under Armour – Supports youth athletes through UA Next programs.
Gatorade – Provides product donations and tournament sponsorships.
Dick’s Sporting Goods – Grants through the Sports Matter program.
Canadian Tire Jumpstart – Provides grants to help kids participate in sports.
Sport Chek – Sponsors youth sports and donates equipment across Canada.
Tim Hortons – Famous Timbits Minor Sports sponsorships for hockey and soccer.
Sobeys – Funds community sports initiatives in Canadian communities.
Loblaws – Supports youth health and activity programs.

Regional & Local Businesses

Publix – Sponsors youth baseball and soccer in the Southeast U.S.
Kroger – Offers community grants supporting local sports leagues.
Meijer – Funds youth athletics in the Midwest.
H-E-B – Supports youth tournaments and team sponsorships in Texas.
Chick-fil-A – Franchisees frequently sponsor local teams.
Subway Canada – Regional stores sponsor school sports.
Jersey Mike’s Subs – Sponsors tournaments and youth events.
Co-op (Federated Co-operatives) – Supports youth sports in Western Canada.
Giant Tiger – Sponsors community events and youth programs.
Hy-Vee – Funds Midwestern U.S. youth leagues.

Health, Wellness & Fitness Companies

Blue Cross Blue Shield – Grants for youth wellness and sports.
UnitedHealthcare – Supports local sports initiatives.
Planet Fitness – Sponsors youth fitness and sports.
GoodLife Fitness – Sponsors Canadian youth sports and wellness.
YMCA Canada – Runs and sponsors youth sports leagues.
Local chiropractic clinics – Often sponsor teams in your area.
Local physiotherapy clinics – Support youth sports with funding and services.
Smoothie King – Sponsors tournaments.
Vitamin Shoppe – Supports athlete wellness.
Orangetheory Fitness – Partners with community sports programs.

Technology & Education Brands

Microsoft – Supports STEM and youth sports initiatives.
Google – Funds community engagement programs.
Apple – Occasionally supports community health and fitness.
TELUS – Invests in youth wellness and community sports in Canada.
Rogers Communications – Sponsors local leagues and events.
T-Mobile – Funds youth sports partnerships.
Verizon – Supports school sports initiatives.
Scholastic – Combines literacy and athletics programs.
Chegg – Supports student-athletes.
Varsity Tutors – Sponsors academic-athletic partnerships.

Sporting Goods & Specialty Brands

BSN Sports – Provides uniforms and equipment sponsorships.
Rawlings – Sponsors baseball and softball teams.
Wilson – Funds local leagues and donates gear.
Easton – Supports baseball and softball programs.
Franklin Sports – Sponsors youth camps.
Champion – Provides apparel sponsorships.
Asics – Sponsors track and cross-country events.
Spalding – Supports basketball development programs.
Mizuno – Funds youth volleyball and baseball.
Powerade – Provides product donations and event sponsorships.

Use this list as a launchpad to research and connect with brands that share your values. Remember, local and regional contacts often have more flexibility to say “yes”, so start by introducing yourself to managers and community outreach coordinators nearby.

50 Companies Actively Sponsoring Youth Sports Athletes

Below you’ll find 50 companies that frequently sponsor youth sports programs, athletes, and events across the U.S. and Canada. Some are national brands with large budgets, while others are regional and local businesses that love supporting their communities. Use this list as inspiration and a starting point for your outreach.

National Brands & Retailers (U.S. and Canada)

Nike – Funds youth sports initiatives through the Nike Community Impact Fund.
Adidas – Partners with clubs and offers equipment and sponsorship grants.
Under Armour – Supports youth athletes through UA Next programs.
Gatorade – Provides product donations and tournament sponsorships.
Dick’s Sporting Goods – Grants through the Sports Matter program.
Canadian Tire Jumpstart – Provides grants to help kids participate in sports.
Sport Chek – Sponsors youth sports and donates equipment across Canada.
Tim Hortons – Famous Timbits Minor Sports sponsorships for hockey and soccer.
Sobeys – Funds community sports initiatives in Canadian communities.
Loblaws – Supports youth health and activity programs.

Regional & Local Businesses

Publix – Sponsors youth baseball and soccer in the Southeast U.S.
Kroger – Offers community grants supporting local sports leagues.
Meijer – Funds youth athletics in the Midwest.
H-E-B – Supports youth tournaments and team sponsorships in Texas.
Chick-fil-A – Franchisees frequently sponsor local teams.
Subway Canada – Regional stores sponsor school sports.
Jersey Mike’s Subs – Sponsors tournaments and youth events.
Co-op (Federated Co-operatives) – Supports youth sports in Western Canada.
Giant Tiger – Sponsors community events and youth programs.
Hy-Vee – Funds Midwestern U.S. youth leagues.

Health, Wellness & Fitness Companies

Blue Cross Blue Shield – Grants for youth wellness and sports.
UnitedHealthcare – Supports local sports initiatives.
Planet Fitness – Sponsors youth fitness and sports.
GoodLife Fitness – Sponsors Canadian youth sports and wellness.
YMCA Canada – Runs and sponsors youth sports leagues.
Local chiropractic clinics – Often sponsor teams in your area.
Local physiotherapy clinics – Support youth sports with funding and services.
Smoothie King – Sponsors tournaments.
Vitamin Shoppe – Supports athlete wellness.
Orangetheory Fitness – Partners with community sports programs.

Technology & Education Brands

Microsoft – Supports STEM and youth sports initiatives.
Google – Funds community engagement programs.
Apple – Occasionally supports community health and fitness.
TELUS – Invests in youth wellness and community sports in Canada.
Rogers Communications – Sponsors local leagues and events.
T-Mobile – Funds youth sports partnerships.
Verizon – Supports school sports initiatives.
Scholastic – Combines literacy and athletics programs.
Chegg – Supports student-athletes.
Varsity Tutors – Sponsors academic-athletic partnerships.

Sporting Goods & Specialty Brands

BSN Sports – Provides uniforms and equipment sponsorships.
Rawlings – Sponsors baseball and softball teams.
Wilson – Funds local leagues and donates gear.
Easton – Supports baseball and softball programs.
Franklin Sports – Sponsors youth camps.
Champion – Provides apparel sponsorships.
Asics – Sponsors track and cross-country events.
Spalding – Supports basketball development programs.
Mizuno – Funds youth volleyball and baseball.
Powerade – Provides product donations and event sponsorships.

Use this list as a launchpad to research and connect with brands that share your values. Remember, local and regional contacts often have more flexibility to say “yes”, so start by introducing yourself to managers and community outreach coordinators nearby.

How to Approach and Pitch to These Companies

Once you’ve identified companies that align with your mission, the next step is to reach out in a professional, confident, and persuasive way. Whether you’re emailing a local franchise owner or submitting a proposal to a corporate sponsorship team, following a thoughtful process will dramatically increase your chances of success.

Research the Right Contacts and Decision-Makers
Don’t just send a generic message to a general inbox. Spend time identifying:

Community relations managers
Marketing or sponsorship coordinators
Local business owners or franchise operators

You can usually find their names on LinkedIn or the company’s “About” or “Contact Us” pages. A personal connection goes a long way.

Craft a Clear, Concise Outreach Email
Your initial email should be short, friendly, and specific. Here’s what to include:

A sentence introducing who you are and your organization
A sentence describing your athletes and why your program matters
A clear statement of what you’re requesting (sponsorship, donation, in-kind support)
A sentence about how their brand will benefit from the partnership
A link to your sponsorship proposal or package

Download TeamLinkt's Youth Sports Sponsorships Letter Templates Here

Sample Outreach Email Template:

Subject: Partnership Opportunity with [Your Youth Sports Organization Name]

Hi [Name],
My name is [Your Name], and I’m the [Your Role] at [Organization Name]. We serve over [number] young athletes in [location], helping them build confidence, stay active, and learn valuable life skills through sports.
We are currently seeking sponsors to help us [goal—e.g., provide uniforms, fund tournament travel]. In return, your company will receive [list a few benefits—e.g., logo placement, social media recognition, local exposure].
I’ve attached our sponsorship package with details. I’d love to connect and explore how we can work together to support our community.
Thank you so much for considering this opportunity.
Best regards,
[Your Name]
[Phone Number]
[Email Address]
[Website URL]

Follow Up and Stay Professional
If you don’t hear back in 5–7 days, send a polite follow-up email. Be friendly and respectful. People are busy, and sometimes your message simply gets buried.

Focus on Building Relationships
Approach every potential sponsor as a long-term partner, not just a transaction. Share updates, thank them publicly, and look for ways to deepen the connection over time. Sponsors who feel genuinely valued are much more likely to renew their support year after year.

Once you start having conversations, you’ll discover that many brands are eager to support youth sports, they just need to be shown how your program aligns with their goals.

How to Approach and Pitch to These Companies

Once you’ve identified companies that align with your mission, the next step is to reach out in a professional, confident, and persuasive way. Whether you’re emailing a local franchise owner or submitting a proposal to a corporate sponsorship team, following a thoughtful process will dramatically increase your chances of success.

Research the Right Contacts and Decision-Makers
Don’t just send a generic message to a general inbox. Spend time identifying:

Community relations managers
Marketing or sponsorship coordinators
Local business owners or franchise operators

You can usually find their names on LinkedIn or the company’s “About” or “Contact Us” pages. A personal connection goes a long way.

Craft a Clear, Concise Outreach Email
Your initial email should be short, friendly, and specific. Here’s what to include:

A sentence introducing who you are and your organization
A sentence describing your athletes and why your program matters
A clear statement of what you’re requesting (sponsorship, donation, in-kind support)
A sentence about how their brand will benefit from the partnership
A link to your sponsorship proposal or package

Download TeamLinkt's Youth Sports Sponsorships Letter Templates Here

Sample Outreach Email Template:

Subject: Partnership Opportunity with [Your Youth Sports Organization Name]

Hi [Name],
My name is [Your Name], and I’m the [Your Role] at [Organization Name]. We serve over [number] young athletes in [location], helping them build confidence, stay active, and learn valuable life skills through sports.
We are currently seeking sponsors to help us [goal—e.g., provide uniforms, fund tournament travel]. In return, your company will receive [list a few benefits—e.g., logo placement, social media recognition, local exposure].
I’ve attached our sponsorship package with details. I’d love to connect and explore how we can work together to support our community.
Thank you so much for considering this opportunity.
Best regards,
[Your Name]
[Phone Number]
[Email Address]
[Website URL]

Follow Up and Stay Professional
If you don’t hear back in 5–7 days, send a polite follow-up email. Be friendly and respectful. People are busy, and sometimes your message simply gets buried.

Focus on Building Relationships
Approach every potential sponsor as a long-term partner, not just a transaction. Share updates, thank them publicly, and look for ways to deepen the connection over time. Sponsors who feel genuinely valued are much more likely to renew their support year after year.

Once you start having conversations, you’ll discover that many brands are eager to support youth sports, they just need to be shown how your program aligns with their goals.

Build Winning Youth Sports Sponsorship Packages

If you’re serious about securing sponsors, having a well-designed, professional sponsorship package can make all the difference. A great package doesn’t just list donation levels, it tells a story, showcases your impact, and makes it easy for companies to say “yes.”

One of the best resources available is this detailed guide from TeamLinkt:
Build Winning Youth Sports Sponsorship Packages

What you’ll learn from the guide:

How to structure your packages with clear tiers and benefits
Tips for pricing sponsorships based on value, not just cost
Examples of real youth sports sponsorship packages that work
Common mistakes to avoid when presenting to companies

Whether you’re new to sponsorship or looking to refine your approach, this resource will help you create materials that look professional, clearly communicate your value, and increase the likelihood of funding.

Take a few minutes to read the full article, download the examples, and adapt the ideas to fit your own organization’s needs.