deal making

Lacing Up: Your Guide to Kicking Off in Youth Sports Event Sales

Welcome back, sales champions! It's time to lace up your sneakers and step into the vibrant arena of youth sports event sales. Whether you're eyeing little league baseball or aspiring soccer stars, this is where community, passion, and business intersect. Today, we're focusing on how to spot those golden opportunities and really understand who's sitting in those bleachers. Ready? Let’s jump in!

Spotting Opportunities in Youth Sports

The world of youth sports is brimming with sales opportunities, from local tournaments to season-long sponsorships. Here’s how to spot the best ones:

  • Community Engagement: Pay attention to local sports clubs and school teams. Which ones have a strong following? Those are your hot tickets.
  • Popular Sports Seasons: Timing is everything. Know when tryouts, season starts, and championships happen – these are your peak sales times.
  • Emerging Trends: Keep an eye out for rising sports or new leagues in your area. Being the first to tap into these can set you apart.

Understanding the Target Market

Now, who are you selling to? Understanding your audience is crucial in youth sports sales. It's not just parents and players; think broader:

  • Local Businesses: They're always looking for ways to support the community and get some brand visibility.
  • Schools and Clubs: They need equipment, uniforms, and funds. Your sales pitch can be a solution to their needs.
  • The Fans: Grandparents, siblings, and friends – they all come to watch. Think about what they might need or enjoy at these events.

Practical Steps for Beginners

  1. Research: Get to know the local youth sports scene. Attend games, talk to coaches, and understand what makes each sport special in your community.

  2. Build Relationships: Networking isn’t just for the corporate world. Befriend coaches, team managers, and parents. Genuine relationships can lead to great sales opportunities.

  3. Create a Value Proposition: Whether it’s sports gear, event tickets, or sponsorships, figure out how what you’re selling adds value to the event or the experience.

  4. Start Small: Don’t shy away from small deals. They can lead to bigger opportunities and are great for building your reputation.

Conclusion: Making Your Pitch

Armed with this knowledge, you're now ready to make your move. Look around your local community – is there a youth basketball tournament around the corner? Maybe a swim meet? Pick an event and think about how you would approach selling it. What's your pitch? How would you add value?

Call to Action:

Now, it’s your turn! Identify a local youth sports event in your area and imagine how you'd pitch it. Share your ideas in the comments or, better yet, take the leap and make that pitch a reality! Remember, every pro was once a beginner. Time to play ball!

Tyler Childs
Ty is the founder of Tournkey. His background is in travel and events. Over the last 25 years, Ty has had the opportunity to see the world through events. Tournkey is the amalgamation of that journey and the path towards more productive events.