Sponsorship??

[Army Fencer]

This actually came from a water cooler discussion...

One word: Sponsors...that's what I do.
-la bouche

I would like to know if anybody out there has had any success with companies sponsoring them. If so, how did you go about doing it?

[npkeith]

I haven't actually tried, but Jones Soda has a link on their website for athletes who are looking for a sponsor. Mostly skateboarders, but why not? the worst they can do is say no.

They have a product called Whoopass - an energy drink that comes in a little can like Red Bull.

Now you really can say "I'm gonna open a can of Whoopass on you" to your opponent just before your D.E.s

[Army Fencer]

I have a feeling not many people out there have much experience with this....

or else they aren't willing to tell their secrets...

[lochinvar]

Probably the former. I, for one, wouldn't know how to begin going about it.

[The0ne]

I have gotten sponsorships both for me, and for my club. Every year my club raises money to buy equipment, send its fencers to JO's etc. and the way it is raised is all the members of the club go around to area businesses, and ask for a $25 donation. SInce for many businesses, $25 is small change, we get quite a few contributions. WHen i got a sponsorship for myself, I asked an area non-profit retail shop, which gives all it's profits to people who write and ask for money. I got in the range of $275 to go to the October NAC. My advice, is write a very good letter asking for the money, because I think that is what got me so much money.
Good luck!!!

[Craig]

Originally posted by Army Fencer
I would like to know if anybody out there has had any success with companies sponsoring them. If so, how did you go about doing it?

Get a list of people and/or companies that you want to sponsor you.

Write a letter or small powerpoint deck as to why they should want to sponsor you - what are you going to do for them.

Knock on lots of doors, talk to lots of people, always ask for money and be ready to be told no by 99% of them.

A good presentation and persistence is what it takes.

Craig

[Lee Yue Yang]

Write a letter or small powerpoint deck as to why they should want to sponsor you - what are you going to do for them.

It would help too if you could mention your results as well as competitions that you are planning to take part in.

[The0ne]

I didn't even do that. . .

[duel mom]

But why should they sponsor you? What is in it for them? Usually in this situation you offer to advertise for them via a newsletter or word of mouth or something. The sponsor should get something, you would be more successful if you offer something in return for their money.

[oiuyt]

Originally posted by The0ne
I have gotten sponsorships both for me, and for my club. Every year my club raises money to buy equipment, send its fencers to JO's etc. and the way it is raised is all the members of the club go around to area businesses, and ask for a $25 donation. SInce for many businesses, $25 is small change, we get quite a few contributions. WHen i got a sponsorship for myself, I asked an area non-profit retail shop, which gives all it's profits to people who write and ask for money. I got in the range of $275 to go to the October NAC. My advice, is write a very good letter asking for the money, because I think that is what got me so much money.
Good luck!!!

Given that you're going to be going off to college soon and may choose somewhere that has an NCAA program I'd be real careful about personal sponsorships. I'd suggest talking to an NCAA compliance officer (should be one at UVM among other places) or to someone at the NCAA national office to find out exactly what is and is not allowed. Would not be fun to find out that doing something slightly wrong back in HS is going to prevent you from fencing for four years.

-B :)

[The0ne]

by sponsorship, I mean they just gave me money, not like a real sponsorship deal of the sort that is given out by Nike etc. I think that since it was a donation rather than a sponsorship I'm OK. . . I'll remember to ask the NCAA about it before I go to college though, thanks.

[darius]

I'll remember to ask the NCAA about it before I go to college though, thanks.

Hey, if you blow your eligibility, you can always come to Rochester!

Club team at UR, and I've heard that RFC has the occasional decent fencer.

Oh, good schools too, but you weren't going for the academics, were you?



darius

[Pho]

Binghamton University is cheaper! And experienced fencers can head the fencing club here.

[The0ne]

But Rochester has Darius and that just makes it! Actually i'm looking at colleges that could give me a free ride, any university coaches willing to give me one, please PM me!

[westcoastsabre]

Well if ure talking about good club fencing And good academics then the best two are Northwestern (men only) and UMASS

[The0ne]

I want to go Varsity for sure. . . I hope I have the skills!

[Army Fencer]

Originally posted by westcoastsabre
Well if ure talking about good club fencing And good academics then the best two are Northwestern (men only) and UMASS

And West Point.

[Pho]

Ahh the one don't give binghamton the short end of the stick, its got me, p-ho. Twice as shady at half the cost.

[The0ne]

hmhmmm now I'm torn!!!! Someone help me in this dilemma!!!

[Mo]

Originally posted by Pho
Ahh the one don't give binghamton the short end of the stick, its got me, p-ho. Twice as shady at half the cost.

What is a P-HO?

This is a pie in the sky question but I will ask it anyway. If you are a serious fencer with good results and someone wanted to sponsor you, but that sponsorship cost you a place on an NCAA team and a college scholarship, what would you do?
The rules are pretty strict for NCAA. Is NCAA worth it?

Would it be better to go to college on the sponsor money and not have to fence and perform??
What about grades?
What if you want to be a DOCTOR or something where fencing was just not an option?
( I know there are those that can fence and study to be a doctor but most fencers are mere mortals)
What would YOU do? Pray tell....