How to Create Your Athlete Media Kit and Get Noticed by Brands

Male padel player on an outdoor blue court, wearing a DRACONES t-shirt, holding a racket, with bold white text: How to Create Your Athlete Media Kit and Get Noticed by Brands

What is a Media Kit and Why Every Athlete Needs One

If you're an athlete—even a young one—and you want to build something beyond just competition results, the media kit is one of the most powerful tools you can have in your arsenal. We're not talking about something reserved for elite professionals or influencers with massive followings. A media kit is for anyone who’s got a message to share, a passion to show, and an identity to shape.

Think of it as your digital business card: a simple, impactful, and professional document that shows who you are, what you do, where you want to go... and why a brand should believe in you.

In the world of sports marketing, first impressions matter. A strong media kit lets you present yourself in a credible, confident way—even if you haven't got a trophy cabinet full of titles (yet). It's not about numbers. It’s about clarity, consistency and intent.

I talk about this a lot in my coaching programmes and in my book Personal Branding for Athletes: if you want to attract attention, you need to know how to tell your story. And to do that, you need real tools—not just big talk.

On the DRACONES blog we’ve already covered why content matters on socials and how to turn your following into real opportunities (I suggest reading Social Media for Athletes: Turn Your Following Into Success if you haven’t yet). But even before posts, Stories or Reels, there’s one question you should ask yourself: am I ready to present myself like a pro?

If the answer is “yes”, then your media kit is the first step.


When to Use It and How to Send It to Get Real Results

Now that you know what a media kit is, the next question is: when do you actually use it? Simple: every time you want to pitch yourself professionally.

Whether you’re looking for sponsorships, proposing a collab with a local brand, applying for an event or just reaching out to a gym or brand, your media kit is your pass. It shows you’re serious, committed, and not just fishing for free gear or visibility—but looking to build a win-win relationship.

And no, you don’t need 10,000 followers to send it. In fact, if you start now, while you're still growing, you’ll show that you have a clear vision. Brands appreciate athletes who know where they’re headed, not just those who’ve already made it.

Here’s how to send it effectively:

  • Direct email: If you find a contact on a brand’s website, write a short intro email and attach your media kit as a PDF. Keep it clear and straight to the point.

  • Instagram DM: If you don’t have an email, send a professional message introducing yourself. Once the convo starts, ask to follow up with your media kit via email or link (like Canva or Google Drive).

  • QR Code on your profile or at events: Add a QR code to your IG bio, printed materials or your fight corner signage—anywhere people might want to check you out quickly.

  • Online applications: When filling out applications for events, sponsorships or contests, adding a media kit sets you apart.

Here’s the thing: don’t wait for brands to find yoube the one who’s ready when they look.

And don’t forget: we live in the age of UGC (User Generated Content). Brands don’t just want polished ambassadors—they want real people who actually use and love their products. If you’re an athlete who’s already wearing, using or enjoying certain products, you’re far more credible than someone pretending for a one-off campaign.

That’s what your media kit is for: showing who you are, how you train, and why you’re the right fit—not just for a post, but for a proper partnership.

The 8 Must-Have Sections in Your Media Kit

Putting together a media kit isn’t about throwing everything in. It’s about selecting the right info—the kind that gives a clear, professional image of who you are as an athlete.

Here’s what every media kit should include:

  1. Personal info and contact details

  2. Sport and role

  3. Athletic experience (competitions, team, titles)

  4. Online presence (socials, community)

  5. Your values and lifestyle

  6. High-quality photos

  7. A short personal bio

  8. Collaboration opportunities

Explain what you’re offering a brand: sponsorships? Content collabs? Long-term ambassador roles? In-person appearances? Break it down clearly and, if possible, include examples and starting formats. You can also leave it open with a phrase like:

“I’m always open to exploring new collaborations and building custom projects that bring value to both sides.”

This often-overlooked section is actually a clear call to action. You’re not just an athlete—you’re someone organised, flexible, and ready to work.

Visual Impact: Look Pro, Even Without a Designer

A media kit isn’t just what you say, but how you present it. The visual impact is what keeps someone reading instead of scrolling away. And no, you don’t need to be a design whizz: with free tools like Canva, you can put together a sleek, pro-looking kit easily.

A polished look shows you care about what you’re offering and that you respect the person reading it. For a brand, that already sets you apart.

Here are a few tips to get the look right:

  • Use a consistent colour scheme (2-3 colours max)

  • Choose clean, readable fonts

  • Keep the layout spaced and organised

  • Add small icons or visuals that reflect your sport and vibe

  • Always use clear, good quality photos

That’s why on DRACONES we’ve created a full set of ready-to-use media kits, tailored for athletes in different sports, fully editable with the free version of Canva. You can personalise them in minutes, drop in your own content, and have something that reflects you—visually and professionally.

It’s not about fancy design. It’s about delivering your message with intent.

Common Mistakes to Avoid (Hint: You Don’t Need 1K Followers)

One of the biggest traps athletes fall into is trying to look “bigger” or more successful than they are. Trust me—the worst move is trying to be someone you’re not. Brands don’t want superheroes. They want real, motivated, grounded athletes with a plan.

Avoid these common mistakes:

  • Trying to say too much

  • Using bad, low-res or irrelevant photos

  • Writing vague, generic descriptions

  • Forgetting to include contact info or a CTA

  • Feeling “not good enough” if you don’t have a big following

I cover this in detail in Personal Branding for Athletes: it’s not about being perfect, it’s about being consistent, recognisable and honest.


What You Can Do Right Now to Get Started

So what now? The answer’s easy: start from where you are, with what you’ve got.

Here’s what you can do today:

  • Download a media kit from the DRACONES store

  • Pick 3-4 quality photos (in action, competition, headshot)

  • Write a simple personal bio

  • Jump on Canva and build your kit

  • Post your first “intro” on social media

And if you’re serious about your journey, don’t stop at the media kit—build your athlete brand beyond social media. In my book “Personal Branding for Athletes” you’ll find a complete roadmap to build your profile even if you’re just getting started.
Grab your copy on Amazon here: acquista ora su Amazon

Lastly, don’t miss new tools, guides and tips—sign up to our newsletter on DRACONES and I’ll send you weekly content to keep growing, on and off the field.

Your future as an athlete starts here. Show the world what you’re made of.

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