Sports Team • Example Letters, Guides and Samples

Guides

Write this letter on team (or league) stationery, if available, and personalize the letter with anecdotes about team members, coaches, former stars, etc. Help your readers to feel the excitement for the team and sport that you feel.

How to write this fundraising letter:

  1. Give the name and affiliation (i.e., high school, college, community, professional) of the sports team for which you are raising money and, if desired, your connection to the team.
  2. Include some history about the team: mention how long they have been together, how they got started, some of their accomplishments, who are/were some of their star players, etc.
  3. Tell what the money you are requesting will be used for, the type of fundraising you are doing, the date by which you need the funds, and so on.
  4. Make sure to directly ask for the money you are seeking, for participation in the fundraising event, for donations of goods or services, etc. (People will generally not act unless you specifically ask them to.)
  5. Consider offering free tickets as a premium (gift) for those who make a contribution to your team.
  6. Mention other benefits (tangible or intangible) that will come to donors as a result of giving to your fundraiser, and reiterate your hope that readers will donate to your team.

Example Letter #1

Copied

As spring returns to our town, so does the memory of last year's exciting soccer season. Having trained long and hard and having grown to work expertly as a team, our (Name of Team) placed strongly in the regional finals and earned honorable recognitions in the local press.

This year promises to be even more exciting than the last. With three strong new teams in the league, the competition will be fierce and the games will be thrilling. However, to enable our players to fulfill their potential and meet the challenges ahead of them, (Name of Team) needs to replace the equipment damaged and worn through last year's season. In particular, we need to purchase 20 new uniforms and 10 new soccer balls.

We are writing today, therefore, to ask for your help in our drive to provide the proper materials for our players. We have enclosed a donation form and a postage-paid envelope. Please take a moment to consider donating $10 or $20 to help us acquire the materials our players need.

The entire (Name of Team) team thanks you for your support.

Example Letter #2

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You are invited to a 25th birthday breakfast for our very own Springfield State Wildcats.

It's hard to believe that the Wildcats have been around that long, but it's been 25 years since Coach Doe led the team to its very first victory on the old field behind the present-day stadium. Today our Wildcats are the pride of the whole city, and we are delighted to giver you the opportunity to meet and have breakfast with the team.

We'll start our breakfast at 8:00 a.m. on Saturday, August 28. Afterwards, Coach Black will tell us a little about the upcoming season around 10 a.m. Then we'll take a sneak peak at the team in action! There will also be drawings for three sets of prime season tickets.

At just $125 per head, we are offering you a great time, as well as an opportunity to boost our team. The money we raise will be used to help pay for those new uniforms every one has been talking about, and rumor has it that the final design for the uniforms will be unveiled at the breakfast.

The number of seats is limited, so please buy your tickets early to avoid disappointment. You can order at our web site at www.springfieldwildcats or through the ticket office at 555-5555.

Example Letter #3

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A few years ago, I had the pleasure of coaching your two sons, Josh and Jacob, in our city youth soccer team. In fact, I've been coaching the team for more than 10 years now. That's almost as long as we've had the team, which was founded in 2010. Since those humble beginnings, we've come a long way. Over the years, the team has really matured and improved, and we are beginning to see the fruits of our labor.

That is why I am writing to you today. This year, as you may already be aware, we have played exceptionally well, and we have been invited to our first tournament. The tournament will be held in southern California during the first part of next month. In order to attend the meet, each team member must pay registration, food, lodging, transportation, and other expenses. I have asked that the kids earn $250 themselves. I am hoping that you, and the other members of the community, will help us raise the other $250 needed for each team member

I know you understand the importance of sports in young people's lives, how sports can help them to learn the power of teamwork and build unity. Will you help us to be able to experience the reward of our hard work this season by donating $50 to help one team member be able to attend the tournament? You can make your donation by check or credit or debit card; simply fill out the attached form and send it back no later than next Friday, May 16. And when you do, we'll send you a team bumper sticker, courtesy of VIP Printing, which we hope you will display with pride.

By making a contribution to this fund drive, you'll help make the dreams of one young boy or girl a reality. And you'll help make team history. Please send your donation today!

Thank you.

Example Letter #4

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As you may know, the first Springfield Angels Minor League Baseball team was formed more than fifty years ago. Since that time, we've seen many great moments. We won the national championship in '82, '94, and '09; we've had star players like Jimmy Towers, John Johnson, Mort Richards, and David Flint; and we've hit more home runs than any other team in the division.

And this year, though we didn't win the national championship, we've had our best season record ever--74 wins and only 8 losses. Accordingly, we would like to have a recognition dinner to honor the players who worked so hard to accomplish this feat.

Will you help us to raise the money needed for the dinner by making a donation of $25 to the Angels Association? The recognition dinner will be the night of September 20 at 7 p.m. in the Springfield Convention Center, and all those who would like to attend the dinner and show their support to the team are welcome to do so by contributing an additional $25 per person.

If you are able to help us in this effort, please send your check or money order by next Friday, September 3. We would really appreciate it.

We hope you will be able to contribute to this fund drive, and we look forward to seeing you at the dinner. Your presence will show your support for our team, and with your contribution you'll know that you helped team members continue on the path to excellence.

Write Your Letter Step-by-Step

1 Give the name and affiliation (i.e., high school, college, community, professional) of the sports team for which you are raising money and, if desired, your connection to the team.

Sample Sentences for Step 1
  • As official voice this year for the NBL, I want to share with you a story about a player from one of the oldest, but not as well known, teams in the league.
  • I would like to introduce you to the state's newest professional sports team, the Springfield Sonics.
  • For more than ten years, I have served as president of the Doe City Dodgers.
  • As a former player for the Wildcats, I know just how much spirit and determination this team has.
  • Since I was hired as coach of the Johnstown High Hawks four years ago, I have seen this team grow, mature, and improve in ways that I could not have imagined.
  • On behalf of the Fairfield Giants team, I want to thank you for your support over the last 10 years.
Sample Phrases for Step 1
  • on behalf of
  • the Springfield Bears
  • Dixie High Hawks
  • Fairview City Women's League
  • introduce you to
  • NSU Wildcats
  • US Hockey Team
  • Lincoln Methodist Youth Basketball Team
  • Doe Co-Ed Softball Team
  • as public rep for the
  • member of the
  • coach of the
  • president of the
  • former player for the
  • former coach of the
  • honorary chair for the
  • athletic director for the

2 Include some history about the team: mention how long they have been together, how they got started, some of their accomplishments, who are/were some of their star players, etc.

Sample Sentences for Step 2
  • This year, we are celebrating our 20th anniversary.
  • When Coach Winston started this team back in 1985, the idea of having a minor league baseball team in this town was little more than a dream.
  • For the last five years, we have worked extremely hard to improve our game, and it has paid off. For four of those five years, we have been state champions.
  • Over the years, we have had such renowned players as Mary Jones, Tasha Abdul, Jenny Parker, and Wilma Davis.
  • As you are probably aware, last year Mark Hogue was named national MVP.
  • Some of the best players in football history have graduated from our school, including...
  • And last year, this amazing young man led the nation in assists and in 3-point shots.
  • From those humble beginnings, we have truly made a name for ourselves in the division.
Sample Phrases for Step 2
  • last year they won
  • region champions
  • state champions
  • sent three all-star players
  • took second place
  • led the division
  • celebrating their 25th anniversary
  • were formed 15 years ago
  • was voted most valuable player
  • had the highest number of touchdowns
  • scored the most 3-point shots
  • took the title
  • went to the playoffs
  • some of the best players graduated
  • such players as
  • been the home of
  • recruited outstanding young stars
  • made over a dozen home runs
  • able to accomplish
  • reached our goal of
  • achieved first place
  • started out as a
  • began with only
  • humble beginnings
  • grown to

3 Tell what the money you are requesting will be used for, the type of fundraising you are doing, the date by which you need the funds, and so on.

Sample Sentences for Step 3
  • Because the team is brand-new, we are raising money for uniforms and sports equipment.
  • We have changed the mascot and logo for our team to, we hope, more accurately reflect our spirit and values, and we are asking for donations to help us purchase new uniforms that have the new logo.
  • So we will be calling in the next week or so to find out if you will be able to donate funds for the recognition dinner.
  • Though the price of participating in the championship has been covered, we are raising money for the boys to help defray the costs of food, lodging, and related expenses.
  • To raise these funds, we will be holding a bike-a-thon next Saturday, beginning at 8 a.m.
  • In order to raise money for the registration and other fees, we are going to hold a fundraising auction on Friday, April 20.
  • To help the kids pay the costs of participating in the tournament, we are inviting parents to donate $50 to our Tourney Fund.
  • We are asking for the support of community members to send our team to the national championship.
Sample Phrases for Step 3
  • buy new uniforms
  • want to have a recognition dinner
  • purchase new equipment
  • raise money for the rent/help pay the lease
  • awards banquet
  • championship celebration
  • victory party
  • buy equipment and uniforms
  • victory dance
  • honor our players
  • honor our coaches
  • pay for the team's trip to the playoffs
  • pay registration fees
  • holding a fundraising auction
  • hope that you will send a check today
  • have enclosed an SASE
  • asking for direct monetary donations
  • will be calling to ask for your support
  • by Thursday, December 10
  • will be holding a bike-a-thon
  • a special fundraising "playof."
  • by the end of the month
  • will begin promptly at 10 a.m.
  • fundraiser will be held the 3rd of June
  • before the end of the year
  • on Saturday, October 12 at 7 p.m.

4 Make sure to directly ask for the money you are seeking, for participation in the fundraising event, for donations of goods or services, etc. (People will generally not act unless you specifically ask them to.)

Sample Sentences for Step 4
  • Would you be willing to send a check today for $75 to help purchase the necessary equipment?
  • Can we count on you to make a donation of $35 today?
  • Will you come and participate in the fundraising auction next Friday to help raise money for our kids?
  • I hope you will show your support to the team by volunteering to help with our telethon.
  • Mr. Jones, will you make an annual donation of $500 to our league?
  • If you can make a donation of $40, $50, or even more, we would really appreciate it.
  • If you are not able to make a donation today of $100, would you consider contributing $75, or even $50, instead?
  • Will you return your donation for $50 in the SASE that we have included?
Sample Phrases for Step 4
  • hope you can contribute
  • asking for a donation of
  • requesting a donation of
  • asking that you donate $100 to
  • give your time
  • asking for a generous donation
  • please send your $50 donation
  • hope you can give
  • your monthly donation of $25
  • consider making an annual donation of $500
  • your $75 donation will go directly toward
  • looking forward to
  • if $50 is too much at this time, would you consider
  • hope you can assist
  • willing to participate
  • if you can give
  • willing to lend a hand
  • willing to contribute
  • could you donate
  • could you contribute
  • anticipate your donation
  • ready to give
  • lend a hand
  • offer assistance
  • show your support
  • demonstrate your dedication
  • take part in

5 Consider offering free tickets as a premium (gift) for those who make a contribution to your team.

Sample Sentences for Step 5
  • To show our appreciation for your continued support, we are enclosing a pair of complimentary tickets to our opening game--no strings attached. The tickets are yours to keep, whether or not you donate to our fund drive.
  • Because we truly value your patronage and your support, we are enclosing a pair of tickets, good for any game of your choice.
  • And, if you make a donation of more than $750, we will send you two season passes.
  • We are enclosing a pair of first-tier tickets to our first home game--yours, absolutely free.
  • Though we are happy to receive any amount you can give, if you make a donation of $10,000 or more, we will send to you four VIP season passes.
  • If you are one of the first 50 people to respond to our petition for funds, we will send you a pair of tickets to our first match, free of charge.
  • I hope you will accept the enclosed tickets, good for any home game, as a token of our appreciation.
  • Moreover, if you make a donation of $500 or more, we'll send you four tickets to our upcoming all-star game, an exciting event you won't want to miss!
Sample Phrases for Step 5
  • know you'll enjoy
  • want to offer
  • as a token of our appreciation
  • for your generous support
  • to show our gratitude for
  • accept these complimentary
  • accept this free gift
  • free tickets to
  • some of our best
  • hope you'll accept these
  • all who donate will be given
  • invited to our special all-star game
  • special VIP
  • offer a premium
  • because of the generous support
  • exclusive guests at
  • best seats in the house
  • show our appreciation
  • small token of

6 Mention other benefits (tangible or intangible) that will come to donors as a result of giving to your fundraiser, and reiterate your hope that readers will donate to your team.

Sample Sentences for Step 6
  • All donors will receive our team T-shirt proudly displaying our team logo and colors.
  • The most important gift of all, of course, is the feeling you'll get knowing that you supported your team.
  • In addition, as an early-bird special, all those who mail in their donations by this Friday, April 12, will receive a team baseball cap, absolutely free.
  • If you choose to donate at this time, we will send you a monthly newsletter highlighting team players and important events.
  • We've enclosed a bumper sticker with our team logo and slogan, and we hope you'll display it with pride.
  • Enclosed you'll find a magnet with our team logo--this gift is yours to keep, whether or not you are able to donate to our team at this time.
  • Because attendance at all of our games is free, we really count on the financial support of people like you to keep our team alive.
  • Our team has done an excellent job this season, and we really want to show them our support by honoring them with this recognition dinner. If you can help us out, please send your check today!
Sample Phrases for Step 6
  • accept this gift
  • know that you contributed
  • you made possible
  • helped to make possible
  • allow us to continue
  • free newsletter highlighting
  • monthly updates on your favorite
  • magnet with our team logo
  • T-shirt proudly displaying
  • feeling of fellowship
  • feeling of ownership
  • part of this important
  • active role in the community/university/school
  • complimentary baseball cap
  • free key chain
  • feeling you'll get
  • played an essential role
  • hope that you will donate
  • please mail your donation today
  • so please, act now
  • counting on your support
  • your donations make it possible
  • couldn't survive without the support
  • hope you will feel compelled
  • know you'll want to
  • show your support by
  • team is counting on you to

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