Over $30K Raised: How Saugus Youth Football & Cheer Scored Big with Their Annual Fundraiser

Every year, youth sports programs across the country use Double Good popcorn fundraisers to help their teams continue to thrive and grow. But for Saugus Youth Football and Cheer in Massachusetts, this year’s fundraiser meant something bigger: making sure every kid could suit up and be part of the team. They value the ease of online fundraising, so they chose Double Good to be their partner for the fourth year in a row.

The all-volunteer organization supports nearly 300 athletes, from flag football beginners to advanced cheer squads, with a dedicated group of parents who make it all possible. Behind every game and performance are real costs: uniforms, pads, mats, and choreography fees add up.

With Double Good’s easy-to-run online fundraiser, Saugus Youth Football and Cheer produced real, lasting results. They raised more than $30,000 for their cause in a few short days. Those funds will help pay for essential gear and also a scholarship for one football player and one cheer athlete.

A Goal, a Plan, and a Whole Lot of Team Spirit

When David, the organization’s Communications Manager, kicked off this year’s Double Good fundraiser, he knew the stakes were high. The program had expanded from 225 to nearly 280 athletes. This 25% growth meant that expenses were increasing fast, and they needed more of everything from new helmets to cheer mats.

Their goal: raise $20,000 for their team in a few short days.

“It sounded ambitious,” David admitted, “but I knew this group could rally. Every year, the kids surprise us.”

Instead of relying on a complicated strategy, the team focused on clear communication and a little competition. Flyers went home with every athlete, coaches reminded families through the SportsU app, and parents started sharing their Double Good pop-up stores online.

Fundraising Leaderboard Fosters Friendly Competition

Then came the game-changer: a live fundraising leaderboard. For the first time, Saugus tracked sales by team through Double Good’s White Glove Service, letting players see who was leading the pack. The effect was instant. Kids checked scores during practice, parents posted updates, and teams started playful rivalries.

“The leaderboard made it fun,” David said. “You’d hear, ‘We can’t let the Pee Wees beat us!’ It gave everyone a reason to keep pushing. Everyone enjoyed competing against their own teammates.”

Motivation, but Make it Fun

To keep the momentum going, Saugus Youth Football and Cheer turned fundraising into a full-blown team challenge. Each athlete had a goal to hit, but the organization also introduced fun rewards to keep everyone engaged.

If the league hit their $20,000 target, every athlete earned a celebration night at Roller World, a local favorite where the kids lace up their skates and blow off steam after a big win.

Beyond that, the top three sellers won cash prizes and a few coaches even sweetened the deal with a creative twist. “One team offered the chance to pie their coaches in the face,” David laughed. “It sounds goofy, but the kids went wild for it.”

What started as a simple incentive quickly became part of the team culture. Parents were cheering from the sidelines of the leaderboard, kids were joking about who would get pied, and everyone wanted to see Saugus reach its goal.

By the end of day four, they had raised more than $30,000 for their organization—exceeding their fundraising goal and proving that a little team spirit can go a long way.

The takeaway? When fundraising feels like a team sport, participation skyrockets.