Learn to Earn
How players earn their pledges: 12 ways to make every game count
When supporters pledge per game or per win, the team earns its fundraising by playing. But earning goes beyond the scoreboard. Here's what players can do before, during and after the season to earn every pledge, and to earn supporters' trust for next season too.
Before the season
1. Know what you're earning toward
Ask your coach what the money is for: tournament fees, uniforms, travel, field time. A goal you can name ("we're earning our way to the state tournament") makes every ask stronger.
2. Share the link with everyone you know
Send the team pledge link to family, friends, neighbors, coaches, teachers and family friends. The more people who see it, the more pledges come in. A QR code at games and on a flyer helps too.
3. Write your own note
Add a few sentences in your own words: who you are, what the team is earning toward, and that you'll be working for it all season. A personal note from the player goes much further than a forwarded link.
4. Explain the pledge simply
Do the math for people: "It's $3 a game, and we have 15 games, so $45 for the season. You can set a max, and you're only charged once at the end." Clear numbers make it easy to say yes.
5. Ask local businesses
Many local businesses like to back neighborhood teams. A flat pledge or a per-win pledge from a business can make a big difference. Let players do the asking, with a parent or coach nearby.
During the season
6. Show up to every game
Per-game pledges count every game played. Being there, on time and ready, is the first way a team earns its pledges.
7. Compete for every win
Per-win pledges reward the team for winning together. Play hard, play as a team, and every win moves you closer to the goal.
8. Share results with your supporters
After games, post or text a quick update: the score, a highlight, a photo. Supporters who pledged per game or per win love following along.
9. Invite supporters to a game
Pick a home game and invite the people who pledged. Seeing the team play makes the pledge feel personal, and players get to thank them in person.
10. Send a mid-season update
Halfway through, share the team's record and progress toward the goal. It reminds supporters what they're part of.
After the season
11. Write thank-you notes
Every supporter gets a thank-you from the player, handwritten if you can. Mention something specific, like a big win or a favorite moment.
12. Show what the money paid for
Send a final photo: the new uniforms, the tournament bracket, the team on the bus. When supporters see what their pledge made possible, they're ready to back you again next season.
Keep it positive
- A loss is never a failure to your supporters. Per-game pledges mean the team earns every time it takes the field.
- Celebrate effort and teamwork, not who raised the most.
- Thank everyone, whether they pledged $5 or $500.
Frequently asked questions
How do players earn pledges?
With per-game and per-win pledges, the team earns money by playing games and winning them. Players also earn supporters' trust by sharing the link with a personal note, keeping supporters updated, and saying thank you.
What should a player say when asking for a pledge?
Who they are, what the team is earning toward, and how the pledge works in simple numbers, such as $3 per game for 15 games is $45, with an optional maximum and one charge at the end of the season.
Disclosure: PledgeStop runs a youth sports fundraising platform, so we compete with some of the services described here. We've tried to present each fairly, including where they do things we don't. Spot an error? Email support@pledgestop.com.