Athlete Sponsorship Program
Financial Barriers Should Never Define an Athlete’s Potential
Broad Axe Wrestling Academy believes every young athlete deserves the opportunity to train, compete, and grow—regardless of their family’s financial circumstances.
Our Athlete Sponsorship Program provides financial assistance to eligible families who need help accessing wrestling training and development opportunities.
Support may include full or partial assistance with membership dues, camps, clinics, and competition-related expenses.
Applications are handled respectfully and confidentially.
Wrestling Changes Lives
Wrestling teaches discipline, resilience, confidence, accountability, and the courage to continue when things become difficult.
Those lessons should be available to every young athlete—not only those whose families can afford every expense associated with the sport.
Broad Axe Wrestling Academy is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization committed to reducing financial barriers for families in our wrestling community.
Through the generosity of donors, sponsors, and community partners, Broad Axe has distributed more than $50,000 in financial assistance to help young athletes access meaningful training and competition opportunities.
Our goal is simple:
Never let money prevent a committed young athlete from reaching their potential.
What Sponsorship Assistance May Cover
Financial assistance is based on individual circumstances, demonstrated need, program availability, and the resources available in our sponsorship fund.
Support may include:
Membership Dues
Full or partial assistance with regular Broad Axe membership dues, helping athletes maintain access to consistent weekly practices and coaching.
Camps and Clinics
Assistance with development opportunities that provide focused instruction, additional training, and exposure to experienced coaches.
Competition Entry Fees
Support for approved tournaments, dual events, and other competitive opportunities that contribute to an athlete’s development.
Other Wrestling-Related Needs
In certain situations, Broad Axe may consider assistance for other essential wrestling expenses when funding is available.
Submitting an application does not guarantee assistance. Awards may cover all or part of an approved expense and will depend on the applicant’s circumstances and the resources available at that time.
Who May Apply?
The Athlete Sponsorship Program is intended for Broad Axe athletes and families experiencing financial hardship that may prevent or limit participation.
Families may apply if they need help with:
- Full or partial membership dues
- Camps or clinics
- Approved competition entry fees
- Other essential wrestling opportunities
- A temporary financial hardship
- An ongoing financial barrier to participation
You do not need to wait until a situation becomes urgent before contacting us.
If cost may prevent your child from participating, we encourage you to apply or speak with Melissa.
A Respectful and Confidential Process
We understand that asking for financial help can feel difficult.
Every application will be treated with respect and reviewed as confidentially as reasonably possible. Information submitted through the application will be used to evaluate the family’s request and determine whether support is available.
Broad Axe may consider factors including:
- The family’s current financial circumstances
- The type and amount of assistance requested
- The athlete’s participation and commitment
- The expected benefit of the requested opportunity
- Available sponsorship funding
- Program or event availability
- Other relevant circumstances shared by the family
We may contact the parent or guardian if additional information is needed.
Receiving assistance does not make an athlete less valued, less capable, or less important to our program. The purpose of this fund is to help committed athletes continue participating when finances create a barrier.
How to Apply
Step 1: Complete the Online Application
A parent or guardian should complete the Broad Axe Athlete Sponsorship Application through Gymdesk.
Step 2: Tell Us What Support Is Needed
Explain what assistance your family is requesting and share any circumstances you would like Broad Axe to consider.
Please provide enough information for us to understand the request while sharing only what you are comfortable submitting through the secure application.
Step 3: Application Review
Broad Axe will review the request based on financial need, available funding, program availability, and the nature of the requested assistance.
Step 4: Follow-Up
Melissa or another authorized Broad Axe representative will contact the family with a decision, a request for additional information, or possible next steps.
Applications are reviewed individually. Assistance is not guaranteed, and the amount awarded may differ from the amount requested.
The Expectations Remain the Same
Financial assistance provides access to the opportunity. It does not change the standards expected of an athlete.
Sponsored athletes are expected to:
- Attend consistently
- Communicate when they will be absent
- Arrive prepared
- Give appropriate effort
- Treat coaches and teammates with respect
- Care for the facility and equipment
- Demonstrate coachability
- Follow Broad Axe policies
- Represent the Academy positively
- Make good use of the opportunity they have received
We do not expect perfection. We expect communication, commitment, gratitude, and effort.
Questions About Applying?
If you are unsure whether your family qualifies, need help with the application, or want to ask about available assistance, contact Melissa.
Email: Melissa@BroadAxeWrestling.com
Phone: (610) 301-4440
All questions will be handled respectfully.
Help Fund an Athlete
The Athlete Sponsorship Program is made possible by donors, local businesses, community organizations, and families who believe financial hardship should not keep a child off the mat.
Your contribution can help provide:
- Consistent weekly training
- Access to experienced coaching
- Camps and clinics
- Tournament opportunities
- Competition experience
- Confidence, discipline, and belonging
- A positive community of coaches and teammates
Every contribution helps Broad Axe open another door for a young athlete.
Please write “Athlete Sponsorship Fund” in the donation note so we can direct your gift to this program.
Sponsor an Athlete or Opportunity
Businesses, organizations, and individual supporters may contribute toward an athlete’s season, a training scholarship, a camp, a clinic, or a competition opportunity.
To discuss a larger or customized sponsorship, contact Melissa.
Email: Melissa@BroadAxeWrestling.com
Broad Axe protects the privacy of participating families and manages all sponsorship awards.
Together, We Build Champions
A membership can create consistency. A camp can unlock a new skill. A competition can build confidence. A supportive wrestling room can change the direction of a young person’s life.
When families, donors, sponsors, coaches, and athletes work together, financial hardship does not have to determine who receives those opportunities.
Choose to Fight. Train to Win. Live with Purpose.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the application confidential?
Broad Axe will handle applications as confidentially as reasonably possible. Information will be shared only with the individuals responsible for reviewing and administering assistance, except when disclosure is required for legal, safety, or administrative reasons.
Does applying guarantee assistance?
No. Assistance depends on demonstrated need, available funding, program availability, and the nature of the request.
Can Broad Axe cover the entire cost?
Full or partial assistance may be offered. The amount awarded will depend on the family’s circumstances and available funds.
Can assistance cover regular membership dues?
Yes. The program may provide full or partial support for membership dues.
Can assistance cover camps and clinics?
Yes. Assistance may be available for approved camps and clinics when funding permits.
Can assistance cover tournaments?
Approved tournament, dual, or competition entry fees may be considered.
Do I need to be a current Broad Axe member?
The application is available to current Broad Axe families and prospective athletes seeking to participate in an eligible Broad Axe program.
Approval remains subject to program capacity, appropriate placement, and available funding.
How often can a family apply?
Families may submit a request when a financial need arises. Receiving assistance previously does not automatically guarantee or prevent future assistance.
Will other members know that my athlete receives assistance?
Broad Axe will not publicly identify sponsored athletes without specific permission from a parent or guardian.
Where do I apply?
Complete the Gymdesk Athlete Sponsorship Application:
Who should I contact with questions?
Email Melissa at Melissa@BroadAxeWrestling.com or call (610) 301-4440.