How to Build a Youth Sports Scholarship Fund for Your Club

Registration, uniforms, tournament fees and travel add up fast, and for some families the cost decides whether a child plays at all. A scholarship fund lets your club say yes to more kids. It doesn't need to be complicated. Here's how to set one up.

Step 1: Decide what scholarships cover

Be clear about what the money can be used for. Common choices:

• Registration and league fees
• Uniforms, cleats and equipment
• Tournament entry and travel
• Camps and clinics

Some clubs pay the club or vendor directly instead of giving money to families. That keeps it simple and makes sure the funds go where they're intended.

Step 2: Set fair, simple rules

Families should understand how scholarships work before they apply. Decide:

• Who can apply. All current players, or players in certain programs.
• What you'll ask. Keep the application short. A few questions about need and what the award is for is usually enough.
• Who decides. A small committee works better than one person. Keep applications confidential.
• When awards are made. Before the season starts is ideal, so families can plan.

Step 3: Fund it through your fundraisers

There are a few ways to raise scholarship money:

Make it part of every campaign

Let supporters know a share of what's raised supports players who need help. Many supporters give more when they know the money helps a kid stay on the team.

Use a scholarship milestone

This approach links scholarships to effort. The club sets a fundraising milestone, such as $500. When a player raises that much for the club, their family is invited to apply for a scholarship. It rewards families who take part and gives players a meaningful goal.

On Kick For Good, clubs set the milestone in their club profile. When a player passes it, the family is automatically invited to apply, and the club reviews every application from its Scholarships tab.

Run a dedicated scholarship drive

A short year-end campaign ("Help every kid play next season") can be powerful, especially in November and December when many people think about giving. Our season fundraising calendar has more on timing.

Ask a sponsor

A local business may be glad to fund scholarships directly or match gifts to a scholarship drive. See how to get a sponsor match.

Step 4: Review applications with care

• Keep it private. Only the people deciding should see applications.
• Respond to everyone. Families who apply deserve an answer either way, ideally with a short, kind note.
• Track awards. Record who received what, what it was for, and when it was paid. It makes reporting to your board or donors easy.

Step 5: Tell the story (without naming kids)

Supporters want to know their gifts made a difference. Share results without identifying families: "This season, your gifts helped 11 players cover fees and travel." That kind of update builds trust and makes the next fundraiser easier.

Bonus: Kick For Good Scholarship Challenges

From time to time, Kick For Good runs its own Scholarship Challenge on top of a club's scholarship program. Players who raise a set amount between two dates qualify, and the top qualifying fundraisers win a scholarship paid by Kick For Good. Awards are paid to the club or directly to the program they're for, such as fees, camps or gear. When a challenge is running, families see it on their dashboard.