How to Write a Sponsorship Email
💡 You train hard, you’re improving, you’re growing… but no one notices you? Maybe it’s time to approach brands like a pro. And yes, you can do it even if you're not famous (yet).
Why Email Is Still the Most Powerful Way In
Here’s something I’ve learned over the years: opportunities don’t come knocking. You have to go after them.
You could be smashing it in your sport, training every day, making sacrifices, giving it your all… but if no one knows who you are, you can’t expect brands to magically find you.
And no—you don’t need 10K followers to get noticed. What you do need is to present yourself the right way.
Writing a proper, professional, honest email is still one of the most powerful tools you have—especially if you’re a young athlete just starting out. It’s your way of saying:
👉 “Hey, I’m here. And I’ve got something to offer.”
What Brands Actually Look For (Hint: It’s Not Just Numbers)
You might be thinking: “But I’ve only got 800 followers, who’s gonna care?”
Here’s the truth: it’s not about numbers—it’s about the value you represent.
Brands today don’t just want mega-influencers. They want real, relatable, motivated athletes who can inspire others. They want authentic stories, not fake hype.
Here are a few things that matter more than followers:
| Type of Brand | What They’re Looking For |
|---|---|
| Eco-friendly brands | Lifestyle choices, respect for the environment |
| Tech & innovation | Passion, performance, creativity |
| Urban/youth brands | Energy, originality, realness |
| Premium/sport legacy | Professional attitude, discipline, long-term vision |
🎯 Want to stand out to a brand? Ask yourself: “Do I reflect the kind of message this brand wants to share?”
Common Mistakes Athletes Make in Sponsorship Emails
If you want a brand to actually read your message, avoid these classic rookie errors:
❌ Being too vague: “Hi, I’m an athlete and I’d like to work with you.” → That’s not enough.
❌ Copy-pasting: Brands can tell if you’ve sent the same thing to 20 others.
❌ Writing an essay: If it takes five minutes to read, it’s already too long.
❌ Sounding desperate: You’re not begging—you’re offering something of value.
❌ No links or contact info: If they have to dig to find you, they won’t bother.
🛠 Quick Checklist: Does Your Email Hit the Mark?
✅ Do they get who you are from the first line?
✅ Have you explained why you’re reaching out to them specifically?
✅ Have you shown what you can bring to the table?
✅ Did you include a link to your socials or media kit?
✅ Can they read it all in under 60 seconds?
The Perfect Structure for Your Sponsorship Email
Here’s a simple structure that works whether you’re into football, athletics, MMA, gymnastics, BMX, swimming, cheer, climbing or literally any sport.
📌 Email subject line:
Collaboration Proposal – [Your Name] | [Sport]
👋 1. Short Intro
"Hi [Brand Name],
My name is [Your Name], I’m [age] and I compete in [your sport] at [level]."
🎯 2. Why you’re reaching out
"I’ve been following your brand and actually use your gear in my training. I’d love to explore the idea of working together."
💪 3. What you bring to the table
"I regularly share my journey on [Instagram/TikTok/YouTube], where I post training, mindset, and behind-the-scenes content for other athletes like me."
🔗 4. Contact and attachments
"I’ve attached my media kit with all the details.
You can also find me on [social handle] or reach me by email at [your@email.com]."
🙏 5. Friendly sign-off
"Thanks for taking the time to read this.
I’m open to chatting about any ideas that might be a good fit for both sides.
Best,
[Your Name]"
📥 Want 10 done-for-you email templates in English and Italian, for all types of sports?
👉 Download my free file: Email Templates for Athletes
A Real-Life Example (Keep It Simple)
Subject: Sponsorship Opportunity – Olivia | Track & Field
Email:
Hey [Brand Name],
I’m Olivia, 16 years old, and I run 400m for my regional team. I’ve been using your trainers in every session this season, and they’ve honestly made a difference.I post training content on Instagram and TikTok to inspire other young athletes who are pushing for their goals.
I’ve attached my media kit below. Would love to chat and see if there’s any chance to team up.
Thanks again!
Olivia 🏃♀️
💡 Short. Genuine. No fluff. That’s how you get noticed.
What If They Don’t Reply?
📉 No reply? No worries. Happens to everyone—even top athletes.
Here’s what to do instead of stressing:
Give it time – Wait at least 7–10 days before following up.
Send a short follow-up: “Hey, just checking in to see if you got my message. Happy to chat if you’re interested!”
Engage naturally – Like their posts, reply to stories, stay visible.
Track your outreach – Use a simple Google Sheet to keep notes: who you emailed, when, and what they said (or didn’t say).
📈 Every email is practice. Every ‘no’ gets you closer to a ‘yes’.
Your Next Step: Hit Send, Not Snooze
You’ve got the tools. You know what works. You’ve even got templates ready.
The only thing left to do is hit “Send”.
🔥 Don’t wait until you’re “famous enough”.
🔥 Don’t wait for the perfect moment.
🔥 Don’t let fear stop you.
🎯 Write your first email today.
📥 Download the template pack.
🚀 Start making real moves.
👉 Download your FREE copy of Email Templates for Athletes
10 plug-and-play messages for all sports and all levels—perfect if you're just starting out.
📥 [Insert link to your freebie]
💬 Want more tools to grow as an athlete—on and off the field?
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🔥 You’re not just a profile.
🔥 You’re a story. A mission. A brand in the making.
Let the world see it.
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