Building a Branded Look for Your Youth Football Team Without Breaking the Bank

Trust, collaboration, and a common goal are essentials for the success of a team, but did you know these components are also reflected in sports uniforms? Your team’s uniform isn’t just the clothes you wear; it’s a symbol of your unity, allowing you to stand out and be easily identifiable. It’s also a great way for fans to feel connected with you and show their support as they proudly display their spirit wear with your team’s logo and colors. Chattanooga residents will recognize the red and blue lion of the Red Bank Lions varsity team, for example, and the yellow “C” of Collegedale’s Chattanooga Mocs. This is why building a branded appearance is so important.

Your team’s brand includes colors, logos, sponsors, typography, fabric, and design—everything that makes up its appearance and style. Let’s take a look at the history of uniform branding in the NFL and how you can apply branding tactics to your own youth football uniforms and apparel:

1920s

In the early days of football, uniforms lacked color, style, and protection. Jerseys were made of cotton or wool, and players wore canvas pants—you can imagine how hot and uncomfortable these would be to play in! Uniforms also didn’t have the recognizable team emblems and distinctions that we are used to today.

1960s and 1970s

Colors brightened up uniforms in the 1960s, safety features and padding added more protection, and teams created logos that would go on to evolve throughout the coming years. This made players more distinguishable. We saw the introduction of the Dallas Cowboys’ blue star in 1964, for example, and in 1968, the Bengals released their logo, which depicted a cartoon tiger holding a football. In the 1970s, synthetic fabrics, stronger helmets, and full-face masks were utilized.

1980s and 1990s

The late ‘80s into the ‘90s saw a rise in sponsorships from companies such as Apex One, Nike, and Reebok, who used NFL uniforms as a platform for their marketing strategies in order to increase visibility. These companies started offering deals and outfitting teams.

Today

Over the years, uniforms have evolved from clothes to tools just as important as the team’s equipment. Now, uniforms are eye-catching and made for improved performance. Fabrics such as polyester, nylon, and spandex are used for durability, breathability, and moisture-wicking technology—a far cry from the wool jerseys of the ‘20s!

Customizable Team Branding

At The Athletic Shop, we partner with top-rated athletic brands, including Adidas, CHAMPRO Sports, and Under Armour. Our affordable options for custom youth football jerseys, football player packs, hats, equipment, coaches’ sideline gear, and spirit wear will help you build a branded look both on and off the field! Our in-house design team is here to help you create the perfect logo and make your idea a reality. View our uniform builders for an easy way to customize your uniforms to align with your specific needs and team branding.

Ready to create a new brand for your team, but unclear on how to get started? Check out The Athletic Shop’s design gallery for inspiration, and contact us to have your players looking fresh and unified without breaking the bank.