Finding sponsors for a small football team in Ghana can seem difficult, especially when you are competing with bigger clubs that already have established brands. But many local teams across the country successfully secure sponsorships every year. The key is knowing where to look, how to present your team professionally, and how to show potential sponsors that supporting your club will benefit them too.
This guide explains practical strategies that any small football team in Ghana can use to attract sponsors, whether you are playing in the community leagues, Division Two, Colts teams, or starting a new academy.
1. Start by Building a Strong Identity for Your Team
Before approaching any sponsor, your small club must look organised and credible. Companies will only invest in a team that appears serious and structured.
Important things to prepare include:
A clear team name and brand identity
A logo
A mission statement (what your team stands for)
A brief history of the team
Photos of your matches or training sessions
Social media pages (Facebook is especially important in Ghana)
Even if your team is small, having a solid identity makes it easier for sponsors to trust you. In Ghana, many teams lose opportunities simply because they look unprepared.
2. Create a Professional Sponsorship Proposal
A sponsorship proposal is a simple document that explains why a company should support your team. This is the most important tool you will need.
Your proposal should include:
Introduction to your team
Your goals and objectives
What your team needs sponsorship for
What the sponsor will gain in return
Different sponsorship packages
Your contact details
Examples of sponsorship packages:
Gold Sponsor – logo on your jerseys, banners at matches, mentions on social media
Silver Sponsor – logo on training kits or bibs
Bronze Sponsor – contributions to transportation, water, or match balls
Sponsors want value, so show them clearly what they will receive in return.
3. Target Local Businesses First
Many teams make the mistake of going straight to big companies like MTN, GOIL, or betting companies. Instead, start with small and medium businesses in your community.
Local sponsors to consider:
Shops and supermarkets
Transport companies
Drinking water companies
Local radio stations
Restaurants and chop bars
Fuel stations
Clothing shops
Hardware stores
Mobile money merchants
Internet cafés
Barbershops and salons
Printing and branding shops
These businesses are more willing to support a community club because your players, supporters, and families are part of the same environment.
4. Use Social Media to Build Visibility
In Ghana today, many local teams get sponsors because they are active on social media—especially Facebook and TikTok.
Things to post regularly:
Training photos
Match highlights
Player profiles
Community activities
Short videos of your best moments
Sponsors like teams with online visibility because it helps them advertise their brands. Even with a small budget, you can grow your social media and make your team look valuable.
5. Approach NGOs and Community Organisations
Many NGOs and youth foundations sponsor sports activities because football reduces youth unemployment, crime, and social challenges.
NGOs that may support your team:
Youth empowerment organisations
Health and wellness foundations
Education and school support groups
Community development NGOs
Environmental awareness groups
These organisations usually want visibility and impact, and sponsoring a team gives them both.
6. Partner with Schools and Churches
Schools and churches have large networks and are often willing to support local teams.
Ways they can help:
Providing training grounds
Funding transportation to matches
Buying jerseys
Connecting you to potential sponsors within their communities
Church members and school alumni often run businesses that can become long-term partners.
7. Talk to Local Politicians and Assembly Members
In many parts of Ghana, football teams work closely with assembly members, MPs, and district officials. While they may not always offer cash, they often support teams with:
Jerseys
Footballs
Transportation
Media visibility
Access to pitches
They also connect teams to corporate sponsors because politicians have strong networks.
8. Attend Corporate Events and Networking Programs
Companies in Ghana sponsor football teams for visibility, but they need to trust the people behind the team first. Attending business events is one of the best ways to build relationships.
Look for:
Business conferences
Trade shows
Bank CSR events
Launch ceremonies
Community development meetings
Local Chamber of Commerce programs
When you meet business owners in person, your chances of securing sponsorship increase.
9. Offer Sponsors Something Unique
Sponsors want something in return. The more creative you are, the better your chances.
Ideas to offer sponsors:
Put their logo on your jerseys
Display their banners at your home matches
Promote them at community events
Offer product sampling at games
Mention them in interviews
Add their logo to your social media profile picture
The more value you offer, the more attractive your team becomes.
10. Stay Consistent and Professional
Finding sponsors takes time. Many teams give up too early. Consistency is what sets successful clubs apart.
Maintain professionalism by:
Keeping communication clear
Being on time for meetings
Sending progress updates to sponsors
Sharing match results
Posting regularly on social media
Showing appreciation for any support received
When a sponsor sees you as reliable, they are more likely to become long-term partners.
11. Keep Strong Records and Reports
Sponsors want transparency.
Always keep:
Financial records
Attendance data
Player statistics
Community impact reports
Match photos
Receipts of all expenses
When you show sponsors evidence of proper management, they trust you more.
12. Build a Support Base in Your Community
Sponsors support teams that have influence. Build local support by:
Organising community clean-up exercises
Visiting schools to talk to students
Hosting friendly matches and tournaments
Engaging local media
Creating a fan club
Selling team merchandise
The bigger your fan base, the more attractive you become to potential sponsors.
Conclusion
Finding sponsors for a small football team in Ghana is absolutely possible, even with limited resources. With a strong identity, a professional proposal, active social media presence, and strong community relationships, your team can attract both local and national sponsors. The key is consistency, professionalism, and showing value to the partners you approach.
Small teams that put in the effort often grow faster than expected. With strategy and persistence, your club can secure the support it needs to compete and succeed.
