Here's how you can finance your trip to play for the U.S. National Team
Getting the opportunity to don the United States’ colors is a dream for lots of athletes.
For those high school athletes who are selected, the chance to play in the International Bowl and wear the red, white and blue becomes reality. But the financial commitment it takes to be a part of the event is also very real.
Not to worry, however, as Amanda Cozze, USA Football’s senior coordinator for sponsorship marketing and activation, has important tips to help with any International Bowl expenses, because USA Football understands what it takes to travel to the event.
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Cozze suggests that all athletes visit USA Football’s fundraising page and look at different options the organization has to offer. Here are three examples USA Football recommends for raising funds:
Super Fan is ready for the International Bowl by helping you earn cash back immediately with officially licensed merchandise from the NFL, Major League Baseball, NBA, NHL, Major League Soccer and NCAA. It is free to get started and Super Fan makes fundraising for the International Bowl fun and easy!
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FlipGive is a cash back site for teams that combines the convenience of online shopping with the best of online fundraising, making it easier for groups to raise money. Teams using FlipGive earn up to 25 percent cash back simply by shopping their favorite brands.
SquadLocker makes fundraising easy and fun! Sell custom t-shirts, hats and hoodies decorated with your logo to get one step closer to the International Bowl.
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The aforementioned fundraisers are open to all football players, but it is important to note that athletes should get a head start on going through the options as soon as possible.
“I highly suggest that athletes/parents take advantage of these options and start early,” Cozze said. “Many of them ignore these options until the final payments are due, and by then it is too late to get started and raise funds in time.
“The great thing about them [fundraising options] is that you can use all of them online. Parents and athletes can use social media in a positive way to share their campaigns with family and friends.”
Those parties who are involved in the fundraising for the trip do have to be careful with how they go about it as well, because the NCAA has restrictions on athletes in this area, and reads like this:
“International Bowl participants may fundraise to help offset the actual and necessary expenses associated with participation (see NCAA Bylaw 12.1.2.1.4.3). Your actual and necessary expenses as defined by NCAA Bylaw 12.02.2 to include your registration fee and transportation expenses. When promoting your fundraiser, keep in mind that you may not receive contributions from an agent or an institution's booster or athletics representative. If you have any questions regarding how your fundraising efforts may impact your collegiate eligibility, please contact USA Football.”
Do you still have questions on how to fundraise for International Bowl? USA Football will be with you throughout the process to ease your mind.
“USA Football sends email communications to athletes offering them multiple fundraising options and links to get started,” Cozze said. “Most of the fundraising partners offer a representative to help athletes and families with the fundraising process.”
By following these simple guidelines, the trip to International Bowl gets a little easier.