How Do Wrestling Clubs and Teams Raise Money for Travel and Tournaments?

Wrestling is a sport that builds strength, discipline, and confidence—but behind every great team is a support system that keeps things running. As kids grow more competitive and begin traveling to tournaments, the cost of uniforms, entry fees, hotel stays, and transportation can add up quickly. To keep wrestling affordable and accessible for all families, clubs and teams often organize fundraising efforts throughout the season.

If you’re new to the wrestling community, you may be wondering how teams raise the money needed to support their athletes. In this blog, we’ll explain the common ways wrestling clubs and school teams raise funds for travel, tournament fees, and team expenses—and how you can get involved to help support the sport.

Why Fundraising Is Important in Wrestling

Unlike some school-sponsored sports that receive full funding from athletic departments, wrestling often relies heavily on local support. Many youth clubs and high school teams operate on tight budgets and need to raise extra funds to provide:

• Travel assistance for regional or national tournaments

• Tournament entry fees

• New singlets, headgear, and warmups

• Mat and facility maintenance

• Hotel accommodations for multi-day events

• Coaches' travel and lodging expenses

• Scholarships for families in financial need

Without fundraising, many athletes would be limited in how far they could travel or compete. Fundraising helps level the playing field so that talent and effort—not finances—determine who gets opportunities.

Common Fundraising Methods for Wrestling Teams

1. Team Sponsorships and Local Business Partnerships

One of the most effective ways wrestling teams raise money is through sponsorships. Teams often reach out to local businesses and ask them to sponsor a season, tournament, or event. In return, businesses may receive:

• Their logo on team banners, T-shirts, or singlets

• Recognition on social media or the team website

• A framed photo of the team as a thank-you

This builds community relationships and provides long-term funding opportunities.

2. Hosting Tournaments or Events

Many teams raise money by hosting their own tournaments. These events can bring in hundreds of wrestlers and their families, providing revenue from:

• Entry fees

• Concession sales

• T-shirt and merchandise sales

• Parking fees

• Hospitality room donations

Hosting a successful tournament takes a lot of volunteers, but it can also be one of the most profitable events of the year for a wrestling club.

3. Raffle Tickets and Prize Drawings

Raffles are a popular fundraiser because they offer participants a chance to win something fun while supporting a good cause. Teams may sell tickets for:

• Gift baskets

• Electronics

• Local services or products

• Cash prizes

Often, families are asked to help sell a certain number of tickets, making it a team-wide effort.

4. Wrestle-A-Thons or Takedown Challenges

A wrestle-a-thon is a fun and interactive way to raise money. Wrestlers ask friends and family to sponsor them per takedown or per round during a special practice or event.

This is a great way for kids to be directly involved in their own fundraising. It also builds team energy and excitement while raising support.

5. Team Gear and Spirit Wear Sales

Selling team-branded T-shirts, hoodies, hats, or car decals is another easy way to raise money and build team spirit. Supporters enjoy repping the team, and a portion of each sale goes back to the club.

Some teams partner with local print shops or use online platforms to handle orders and deliveries, making it simple to manage.

6. Community Fundraising Nights

Many local restaurants offer fundraising nights, where a percentage of sales goes back to the team. These events are easy to organize and double as social gatherings for wrestling families.

Popular venues include:

• Pizza parlors

• Ice cream shops

• Local diners or cafes

All it takes is spreading the word and showing up to support.

7. Online Crowdfunding Campaigns

With the rise of digital fundraising, many wrestling clubs set up GoFundMe pages or similar platforms. These are especially useful for large goals like sending athletes to national tournaments or covering out-of-state travel.

Crowdfunding campaigns allow supporters—near and far—to donate quickly and securely.

How Parents and Families Can Help

You don’t have to be a coach or club leader to help raise money. Parents play a key role in making fundraisers successful by:

• Volunteering at tournaments or events

• Selling raffle tickets or gear

• Spreading the word on social media

• Reaching out to employers or business contacts for sponsorships

• Donating supplies or services (like printing, catering, or event planning)

Even small contributions of time or resources can have a big impact when the whole community comes together.

Fundraising Fuels Opportunity

Wrestling is a sport that rewards effort—and that includes the effort made behind the scenes to support young athletes. Fundraising makes it possible for more kids to compete, more teams to travel, and more dreams to come true.

Whether your child is just starting out or preparing for a big out-of-state tournament, your involvement in fundraising shows them that their journey matters. When families, coaches, and communities work together, the whole team wins—both on and off the mat.