Cost Cutting Tips

The cost of new shoes, uniforms, bags, warm-ups, poms, signs, banners, traveling, and equipment adds up to hundreds of dollars a season. So you might be asking, "Is there anything I can do to reduce the costs? Some expenses you can’t control. But here are a few solutions to cut costs without cutting the level of participation: Some people think that new uniforms, bags, and warm-ups are a necessity and that they need to be replaced after only one season. Many organizations use the same uniform, warm-ups, poms etc for several years. Maybe you can convince your team to do this. Warm-ups can range from $80 to $180 each. This does not include an embroidered name, which adds greatly to the cost. If you need a new piece, buy one not both. An alternative to warm-ups is sweat suits. Buy matching sweat pants and sweatshirts with your team logo on them, that way you can use them for everyday use and to warm-up for games. The more you travel, the more gas you use. Gas is not cheap these days. Carpooling is a fun and easy way to split the cost of gas, and help save the environment too. Equipment is necessary in every sport. And it can be very expensive, especially if you have to buy it frequently. Buying used equipment can greatly reduce the cost. Buy from cheerleaders who no longer participate. Maybe your seniors could even bequest their poms to an underclassman. Matching bags are really cool, but aren’t something that a team needs to perform well. Try to convince your teammates that matching bags aren’t important. Why not have a bag decorating party instead? One way to cover costs as a whole is fundraising. This is a great way for everyone to save, participate, and get to know each other better. There are many things teams can do such as car washes, selling doughnuts for breakfast, host a local cheerleading competition, host an OACC clinic for coaches, cheerleaders or parents, sell carnations at valentines day or mums at homecoming or hold a cheer camp for youth. Keep your fundraising fresh and innovative and seasonally appropriate. Avoid sending letters to businesses asking for sponsors. Things do not have to be expensive when you’re creative.