Junior Sponsorship?

[BenCarter]

I started playing Badminton last September & am just starting on the county ladder (winner U13 Cambridge). Does any one know of any people keen to offer sponsorship money for kit - my Mum needs help in keeping me in trainers etc !!

[coops]

hi ben, even the senior england squad players don't get paid money by their sponsors, this money usually comes from sport england and the lotter fund as far as i'm aware.

http://www.sportengland.org

is probably a good place to start.
badders equipment manufacturers will usually offer some sort of deal, whether that be reduced cost racquets, clothes, shoes, with the reduction varying according to how much coverage you get and how high a standard you play. i've recently seen a new company on the market called powerplaysports.co.uk, who apparently have tom dunlop on their books, and he plays with their racquets. have a look at their website for more details there.

further than this all i can suggest is that you write to the various equipment manufacturers asking for sponsorship

good luck!

Neil

[Phil McBride]

Neil is right the best you can hope for is "terms" from a company, they will give you a specific contract which you promote their clothing/rackets etc. and you get special discounts on the product.

You may even get one or two pieces free.

[ADZ1]

Sorry lad it might be an idea to get up to a bit more of a level than winning a cambridge u13 ladder, just a thought

[molly]

i'd agree wiv ME sorri but u can always try

[piffo]

I agree with the last two, you would struggle to get something at your current standard.

[Oreo]

hell just crush the guys dreams while you're at it. keep going dude.

I would suggest talking to whoever owns the stadium you usually play at - provided that there is some sort of shop there. If there is some sort of coaching going on your ooach might be able to get stuff cheaper for you, but then again coaching costs money, go figure.

[biggy]

at under 13 you will never get money for sponsorship and not many players get sponsorship at that age.I got sponsorship from babolat,and that was at under 17.so if you don't get sponsorship then don't worry.But I would advise talking to your coach or a nearby shop who might give some reduced price clothing or equipment.

[flamingjam]

Hi ther can speak from experience as a U-17 player 4 derbyshire, its VERY hard to get anything like full sponsership from a company till you are a full professional. You should speak to a local interdepent sports shop if poss and get them to give you reduced prices -most will give at least 10-20%
The larger companies and some indetpenant sport shops may give you money off products and let you test rackets but this is more unlikely at U-13 levels or age groups

[Alex_ch]

i disagree with the "get better first" comments - i know of a number of U13's being sponsored, one being my brother. dont know if i can mention the company but its pretty well known in badminton, will ask if i can put contact details or something up here...

[RacquetChat]

Hi there -- I have lots of experience in the "sponsorship" arena. I'm heavily involved in the mountain biking industry in Vancouver, BC (aka the North Shore) and deal with sponsorship issues frequently.

It's awesome to hear you're doing well in the U13 category -- kudos! Keep up the good work.

Just keep in mind that companies are looking for spokes-people and role-models -- skills, rankings, and standings are important but are sometimes secondary to maturity. They usually provide gear or discounts and seldom pay cash.

Questions to ask yourself: Will you represent the company well? Will you get other people excited in the sport? Will you inspire people to buy your sponsor's products?

I recommend that you:

1. ask your coach for equipment deals -- they are often sponsored or can get discounts for you -- this is a form of sponsorship
2. write a resume and a letter of introduction and forward them to companies -- make sure you include what benefits you will bring to the company
3. if you are seeking cash, get hooked up with an agent

Good luck!

RacquetChat.com

[redkingjoe]

Dear Sir,
My son is very good in Badminton and won a lot of competitions at his age. He does well academically but only at around top 15% in the population.
With his background, Is there any ways to get into the Top name U such as Oxford/Campbridge/UT/Harvard/Standford?(He doesn't need sponsership)

Thanks and best regards


Hi there -- I have lots of experience in the "sponsorship" arena. I'm heavily involved in the mountain biking industry in Vancouver, BC (aka the North Shore) and deal with sponsorship issues frequently.

It's awesome to hear you're doing well in the U13 category -- kudos! Keep up the good work.

Just keep in mind that companies are looking for spokes-people and role-models -- skills, rankings, and standings are important but are sometimes secondary to maturity. They usually provide gear or discounts and seldom pay cash.

Questions to ask yourself: Will you represent the company well? Will you get other people excited in the sport? Will you inspire people to buy your sponsor's products?

I recommend that you:

1. ask your coach for equipment deals -- they are often sponsored or can get discounts for you -- this is a form of sponsorship
2. write a resume and a letter of introduction and forward them to companies -- make sure you include what benefits you will bring to the company
3. if you are seeking cash, get hooked up with an agent

Good luck!

RacquetChat.com

[RacquetChat]

Dear Sir,
My son is very good in Badminton and won a lot of competitions at his age. He does well academically but only at around top 15% in the population.
With his background, Is there any ways to get into the Top name U such as Oxford/Campbridge/UT/Harvard/Standford?(He doesn't need sponsership)

Thanks and best regards

Wow... top 15% academically? I wouldn't think he'd have problems getting into a good university with marks like that. I'm in Canada, so I have no idea how things work in the UK -- however, entrance into American universities require candidates to take the SAT tests whilst in high school (Standardized Aptitude Tests). Some schools require autobiographical essays, interviews, etc.

Although I've been on faculty at an American university, I've never enrolled as a student so I'm fairly ignorant with regards to the application process. I've done all my schooling and training in Canada. Sorry I can't be of much help...

RacquetChat.com