As another back-to-school season kicks off, high school sports teams across the country are gearing up for an exciting new year. Amidst the excitement of fresh starts and renewed goals, there's one essential strategy that every coach should be considering: in-season fundraising. While the thought of adding fundraising to an already packed schedule might seem daunting, running your fundraiser during Week 1 of camp is the key to maximizing your team’s success. Here's why every team should be selling in-season as they head into September:
1. You will see more participation!
All Hands on Deck: The start of the school year means that every athlete is back on campus, fully engaged and ready to hit the field. When you run a fundraiser during the off-season, participation can drop as low as 60%, with athletes scattered across different summer programs, other sports teams, or vacations. In contrast, during the school year, your entire roster is together—focused and committed. This ensures you have 100% participation, which is crucial for maximizing profits and fostering team unity. The energy and camaraderie at the beginning of the season create the perfect environment for a successful fundraiser.
2. Daily Promotion through Consistent Communication
Keep the Momentum Going: One of the biggest advantages of running an in-season fundraiser is the ability to maintain daily communication and motivation. With practice happening every day, coaches have the opportunity to discuss fundraising goals, share updates, and keep the importance of the campaign front and center. This consistent communication helps build momentum and allows coaches to incentivize top performers during practice, creating a competitive yet collaborative atmosphere. By integrating the fundraiser into the daily routine, it becomes a natural part of the team's rhythm, making it easier to stay on track and reach your financial goals.
3. Higher Sales Means Less Stress
The numbers speak for themselves—fundraisers conducted in-season tend to profit 30% more than those held during the summer. By tapping into the collective focus and energy of the pre-season, teams can often complete their fundraising efforts before the first game even kicks off. This timing allows players to concentrate on one thing at a time, reducing stress and setting the stage for a successful season on and off the field.
When you run your fundraiser in-season, once practices have kicked off and before the first game, you’re not just raising money with your team but setting everyone up for success by harnessing the full power of teamwork and timing. While off-season fundraising might get you some funds sooner, in-season fundraising can more than double your profits, making it a winning strategy every time.
Rewards & Recognition: Celebrating Success with Gold Athletics
To keep the energy high and the motivation strong, we prioritize rewarding your athletes for their hard work. With the Gold Athletics app, you can easily track each participant’s progress, offering prizes and recognition to top sellers. Whether it’s special team gear, gift cards, or the chance to lead the team onto the field, these incentives not only boost participation but also show your athletes that their efforts are valued. Rewarding your team creates a positive fundraising experience and strengthens the bond between players and coaches.
As the new school year begins, now is the perfect time to plan and execute your team’s fundraiser. With the Gold Athletics app at your fingertips, organizing an in-season campaign has never been easier. Remember, the key to success is timing—so start strong, stay focused, and watch your team soar both on the field and in your fundraising efforts.
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