Fundraising for football teams at the grassroots and youth level can be a challenging task. Clubs often struggle to cover basics like kit, equipment and travel costs. One expert observes that “running a team comes with its financial challenges,” and “effective fundraising is essential to ensure that your team thrives”. Crowdfunder similarly reports that “securing adequate funding is a common challenge for grassroots football teams”. This post shares a wide range of practical ideas – from online platforms to community events – to help coaches, volunteers and parents raise money for their teams in 2025 and beyond.

Online Fundraising For Football Teams & Crowdfunding Platforms

• Crowdfunding sites: Crowdfunder (with match-funding partners like Sport England), GoFundMe, Localgiving, etc, let your club set up a project page and collect donations from community supporters. For example, York RI AFC raised £26,662 (including £6,000 from Sport England) via a Crowdfunder campaign.
• Donation pages: Platforms like JustGiving provide “a simple and effective way to collect donations”. Teams can create fundraising pages explaining their needs (new kit, travel costs, etc.) and share these links through social media and email to reach potential donors.
• Cashback shopping: easyfundraising.org.uk partners with major retailers so that everyday online shopping generates free donations for your club. Each time a supporter buys through the site, a percentage is given to the club – over 25,000 UK sports teams are already signed up.
• Apps and tools: Use free club-management apps (like Spond or TeamSnap) that include group fundraising and payment collection features. Also leverage free online tools such as Canva (for creating graphics) and Sport England’s Club Matters (governance and fundraising guidance) to promote your campaign.

Each platform has its strengths — try a combination. Always tell your story: a clear pitch (with photos or a short video) will make donors more likely to give.

You can also consider specialist UK charity sites. Localgiving.com, for example, focuses on community projects and even offers Gift Aid collection for clubs. Don’t forget simple digital steps: add a “Donate” button to your club website, share your Crowdfunder link in the club newsletter, or send a friendly appeal email to past sponsors. Even a fun “locker room tour” video or player testimonial posted online can remind people why your team matters.

In-Person Fundraising Events

• Quiz Nights: A football-themed trivia night at the clubhouse or local pub can pack the place. Charge teams an entry fee and sell snacks or a raffle during the break.
• Sports Evenings: Race nights (guests “bet” on simulated races), sports bingo or charity football matches are classic events. Even a parents-vs-players friendly or an awards night (with ticket sales) can draw crowds.
• Fun Runs & Walks: Organise a sponsored fun run or walk in team shirts. Each participant collects pledges per lap or mile. These work well when held as part of training sessions or community fitness days.
• Raffles & Auctions: Collect donated prizes (signed memorabilia, vouchers, match tickets) from local businesses. Sell raffle tickets or hold a silent auction (in person or online) to raise big sums.
• Stalls and Sales: Set up car boot sales, sports-kit swaps or bake sales at community events. On match days, run a refreshment stall selling teas, coffees and cakes. A team car wash on a weekend can also bring in quick cash with minimal cost.
• Social Events: Plan a club dinner, barbecue or themed party (like a World Cup watch night) and charge for entry or meals. Include half-time entertainment (mini-games or a score prediction contest) and a donation bucket to maximize fundraising.

Mix and match events through the season: for example, one club might run a summer carnival, an autumn pub quiz, and a raffle at the end-of-season celebration to keep money flowing steadily. Engage players and parents as helpers – people support what they help create.

Football-Themed Fundraising For Football Teams

For a truly football-themed fundraiser, build your event around the game itself. Organize a five-a-side tournament where teams pay to enter, with side stalls selling food or raffle tickets to raise even more. Halftime challenges like a sponsored penalty shoot-out (each shot charged to players) can add excitement and funds.

You can also turn major matches or tournaments into fundraisers: run a World Cup or FA Cup sweepstake, charging a small entry fee and awarding a prize to the winner. A fantasy league (season or tournament) with an entry fee and end-of-season trophy is another fun way to raise cash.

Don’t forget novelty events: sell “match tickets” to imaginary games, host a football trivia quiz, or even a mini-golf/footgolf competition. Fans will happily chip in if it’s for their own club. You might also try a kids-vs-parents match: children play the adults in a friendly game, with each side paying a small entry fee These football-specific fundraisers not only raise money but deepen community spirit.

Digital Initiatives & Merchandise

The internet offers creative ways to raise funds, too. Many clubs build a simple online shop – selling branded merchandise like hats, scarves, shirts or mugs. Fans love showing their team pride, and online sales provide a steady income. Set up an easy e-commerce page (Shopify, Wix or Etsy) to handle orders and deliveries.

You can also leverage social media campaigns to collect donations. Encourage supporters to share photos or videos of a sponsor challenge (for example, walking 10,000 steps in club colours) and ask friends to donate per challenge. Auction or raffle special items (signed footballs, training sessions with a coach) on Facebook or Instagram. Even creating a short video about your club’s story and sharing it across Twitter or TikTok can bring in contributions.

Crowdfunding can also be digital-savvy: link your campaign to a YouTube appeal or a Twitch live stream, where viewers can donate in real time. QR codes printed on posters or on the pitchside boards (pointing to your donation page) make giving as simple as snapping a photo. These online tools let even small youth clubs run campaigns with a global reach.

Community & Local Business Support

Never underestimate the value of local connections. Reach out to nearby businesses for sponsorship. Many small shops or pubs are happy to support a local team in exchange for publicity – have them print a company logo on your kit, on a pitch-side banner or in your matchday programme. Even offering to promote their logo on the club’s social media or website can sweeten the deal. In return, businesses often donate cash, services or prizes to the club.

Partnering with schools, scout groups or community organizations can also help. Schools may let you hold team-building events on sports days, and families of players can act as word-of-mouth fundraisers. Don’t forget easy community boosters like supermarket bag-packing events or local theatre/charity lotteries – these can bring in extra pounds with minimal effort.

Finally, consider supporter memberships or small regular donors: for example, a “club membership” where families sign up for a yearly fee in exchange for perks (newsletters, discounts on club gear). A traditional approach is a “100 Club” lottery, where members buy numbered tickets each month. As the UK Gambling Commission explains, “members buy numbered tickets which go into a regular draw… When the draw is made, a percentage of the profit is given as a prize and the remainder goes to [the] good cause.” This generates a reliable monthly income and keeps people engaged with the club.

Alternatively, encourage parents and fans to set up a standing order or recurring donation (perhaps bundled with membership). These reliable contributions cover ongoing expenses. If your club is a registered charity, don’t forget Gift Aid: every £1 donated by a UK taxpayer can turn into £1.25 for the club, at no extra cost to the giver. A quick online Gift Aid form can significantly boost the value of individual donations.

Grants and Public Funding To Help With Fundraising For Football Teams

Don’t forget formal grants. In the UK, Sport England and government bodies fund grassroots sport. Sport England’s Small Grants Programme (now closed) used to offer £300–£15,000 grants for clubs, and its new Movement Fund provides up to £15,000 to match local crowdfunding projects. Sport England notes this Movement Fund can invest “more than £20 million” per year to get communities active.

The FA and Football Foundation also have schemes. The FA’s “Stay in the Game” grants (for adult male teams) and “Grow the Game” (for women’s and disability teams), as well as the Premier League & FA Facilities Fund, offer cash for kit, equipment and coaching. The Football Foundation continuously invests in pitches, training facilities and clubhouses across the UK.

On an even bigger scale, the UK Government announced major investment in grassroots facilities. In March 2025 it committed £100m to upgrade local sports sites (playing fields, changing rooms, floodlights) across all four nations Additionally, the 2024/25 Multi-Sport Grassroots Facilities Programme has invested £123m in community pitches and club facilities. Many local councils and lotteries also run small-sports grants, so check your council’s sports development office or lottery websites for opportunities. Every bit of public funding you can secure frees up club money for coaching and kit.

Pyramid Footballs Fundraising For Football Teams: Final Thoughts

Overall, there’s no shortage of practical and creative fundraising ideas for football teams. Every club can find a mix that fits its community and spirit. Don’t be afraid to try a few different approaches – quizzes, tournaments, online drives and sponsorships often work best together. And remember, as one club guide reminds us, “every effort counts, and even small contributions can make a significant impact on your team’s future.”12th Man”

With a bit of enthusiasm and teamwork, coaches and volunteers can secure the funding needed for new kit, extra training or the next club trip. The key is to involve players and fans: people love to support their own team. Above all, keep it fun and transparent. Even a simple update (thanking donors on social media or in your programme) shows people that their money made a difference.

For more ideas, talk to neighbouring clubs or look online – sites like Sport England’s Club Matters and community forums often have tips and partnership opportunities. When everyone chips in, your local football community thrives. Good luck and enjoy the fundraising journey!