How to Create Exclusive Membership Tiers for Your Rugby Club and What to Offer

Having a membership program is a great way to bring in steady income for a rugby club, but a tiered membership system can take it a step further by offering different levels of benefits. Some supporters may simply want free entry to matches, while others may be interested in sponsoring the club or running a business stall on game days. By creating membership tiers, clubs can provide value to different types of members while generating much-needed funds.

1. Why Membership Tiers Matter

Not all supporters contribute in the same way. Some want to attend games without worrying about ticket costs, while others may be local business owners looking for an opportunity to get involved. By offering different membership options, the club can cater to a wider audience and create a more stable income stream. Even a small, affordable membership fee can add up to significant financial support when many people join.

2. The Three Membership Tiers

To make membership simple and attractive, here’s a three-tier system with different benefits:

Basic Membership (R50 per month) – Members get free entry to all home games throughout the season.

Silver Membership (R75 per month) – Includes all Basic perks plus the right to set up a stall on game days, allowing members to sell food, drinks, or merchandise at the field.

Gold Sponsorship Membership (R100 per month) – All Silver perks, plus the ability to sponsor the team, which could include having their name or business featured on the club’s website, match programs, or banners.

This system keeps membership affordable while offering tangible benefits that appeal to different types of supporters.

3. Perks That Encourage Fans to Upgrade

To make membership tiers successful, each level must offer something valuable that encourages members to upgrade. Here’s how these perks benefit both the club and its members:

Free entry to home games – Makes membership an easy choice for regular supporters.

Business opportunities on match days – Encourages local entrepreneurs to get involved while benefiting the club through vendor fees or sponsorships.

Sponsorship opportunities – Businesses or individuals can contribute to the club while getting recognition in return.

Access to year-end functions and after-match events – Strengthens the community feel of the club, making members feel more involved.

By structuring these perks wisely, the club creates value for members while also ensuring financial benefits for itself.

4. How to Set Up and Promote Your Membership Tiers

Once the membership structure is in place, the next step is to make it easy for people to sign up and spread the word. Here’s how:

1. Simplify the sign-up process – Use a simple form, website, or direct bank transfer to collect payments.

2. Clearly explain each tier – Promote the membership levels on posters, social media, and at the club itself.

3. Encourage sign-ups at matches – Set up a membership booth at home games to register new members in person.

4. Use local businesses and sponsors – Encourage business owners to take advantage of the sponsorship tier.

The key is to make joining as easy as possible while showing members why it’s worth it.

5. Long-Term Benefits of Membership Tiers

A structured membership program doesn’t just provide short-term income—it builds long-term stability. As membership grows, the club gets a stronger financial foundation while also fostering a deeper connection with its supporters. Members feel like part of the club, not just spectators, and are more likely to attend games, buy merchandise, and promote the team.

Conclusion

A three-tier membership program gives rugby clubs an easy way to generate income while offering real value to fans and businesses. Whether supporters just want free entry to games, an opportunity to sell products on match days, or a way to sponsor the club, each tier has a clear benefit. By keeping membership affordable and promoting it well, clubs can build a dedicated supporter base and ensure financial stability for years to come.