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Little League Football Officers' Manual |
10 SPONSORS |
Refer to |
Sponsors provide an extremely useful source of income early in the season. They can normally be found amongst local companies, charitable and professional organisations or even through parents of participating children. There are two types - team sponsors and League sponsors. |
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| Team Sponsors Team Sponsors are normally asked for at least £40 per season - more if they can afford it. In exchange for their contribution, they may name the team - e.g. Smith's Spitfires - but they have no say in the running of the team. The money must go to the League's central funds, and not to the team. No team may enjoy privileges not available to all other teams in the League. It is left to the local committee to decide if a team sponsor is acceptable |
Rule 1.6 |
| League Sponsors It may be possible to obtain sponsorship of the League as a whole, your cup competition, or perhaps your fixture list, newsletters or other items of expenditure. Alternatively, a sponsor may wish to donate specific items, such as footballs. The National Executive must approve all League Sponsors. All prospective Sponsors should be discussed with your League Liaison Officer in the first place. |
Rule 1.6 |
| Company Names on shirts Whilst this is permitted, it should be remembered that difficulties can arise - for example when some new shirts are required. Not all committees are in favour of advertising appearing on the players. Approval must also be obtained from the NEC. |
Rules 1.5.2 and 3.3.5 |
| Cultivate your sponsors It is a good idea to invite sponsors to major games involving their teams and keep them updated with all the latest information concerning your League. Likewise, you should make a point of mentioning them in newsletters, programmes, presentation nights, etc. If your League has a website, a page to thank the sponsors, with perhaps a link to their businesses will be appreciated. If you ensure that your Sponsors are regularly made aware of their vital contribution to the success of your League, they are more likely to continue. | |
| Taxation Companies sponsoring teams can offset the cost against profits if the expenditure is classed as advertising. Leagues registered as charities can obtain valuable tax advantages under Gift Aid on sponsorship by individuals. |
Section 32 |