In today’s educational landscape, extracurricular activities have expanded far beyond traditional sports. From robotics and debate to drama and environmental clubs, students are engaging in a diverse array of programs that enrich their academic experience and build lifelong skills.
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, 57% of children aged 6 to 17 participate in at least one after-school extracurricular activity, and nearly 29% are involved in clubs or non-sport lessons such as music, language, or drama. These programs aren’t just feel-good add-ons—they’re game-changers for student development, building confidence, commitment, and community.
Despite their importance, many of these programs lack access to custom apparel that fosters unity and school spirit. Gary Goldberg, President and Founder of SquadLocker, emphasizes,
“Every student group, whether it’s the chess club or the marching band, deserves the same sense of identity and pride that a football team enjoys. Our mission is to ensure that all programs have access to high-quality, custom apparel that brings their members together.”
Inclusivity Through Innovation
SquadLocker’s made-to-order, single-unit manufacturing model eliminates order minimums and keeps online stores open year-round. That means even the smallest clubs can outfit their members without financial strain or logistical headaches.
“Unlike other platforms I’ve worked with, SquadLocker is built for inclusivity,” says Matt McGovern, National Account Manager at SquadLocker. “A club with five students gets the same quality gear, service, and attention as a varsity team. Our SquadSchool program takes that even further, providing built-in fundraising, unlimited artwork services, and exclusive gear extras. It helps these programs stand out and raise the funds they need to keep investing in student development.”
Fundraising That Fuels School Spirit
Apparel isn’t just a utility—it’s a powerful fundraising tool. With SquadLocker’s built-in fundraising features, clubs and teams can earn money every time someone purchases spirit wear. No inventory. No hassle. Just seamless support.
This aligns perfectly with guidance from FACTS Management, who note that successful fundraisers should focus on three things:
- Ease of setup
- Low overhead
- High return
As FACTS says, “Fundraising isn’t only about collecting donations—it’s also a chance to boost morale and get your students, staff, and families full of school pride and the spirit of giving.”
With options like spirit wear stores, students, parents, and supporters can rally around a cause and represent their community in style. And when paired with FACTS Giving, schools can integrate tracking, automate giving, and even activate tools like text-to-give, making it even easier to support emerging programs—from STEM to multicultural initiatives.
A School-Wide Solution: SquadSchool
To support school-wide equity and organization, our SquadSchool membership program takes things a step further. Schools enrolled in SquadSchool receive:
- Professional artwork services for high-quality, branded designs.
- A custom landing page featuring all school clubs, teams, and activities.
- A single shopping cart experience for families to easily purchase gear across multiple programs.
It’s a scalable solution that reduces friction and elevates visibility for every group, not just the big names on campus.
Built to Partner: FACTS + SquadLocker
Our integration with FACTS Management connects custom apparel to a broader school ecosystem that includes tuition management, communication tools, family engagement, and more.
With SquadLocker as part of that whole-school platform, custom gear becomes another seamless touchpoint—streamlined, secure, and fully aligned with how modern schools operate.
Read the full press release about the FACTS x SquadLocker partnership
Supporting All Students, All Year Long
Whether it’s an emerging pickleball team, a growing esports league, or a small STEM club just getting started, every student deserves to feel seen, united, and proud. At SquadLocker, we make it possible—with no order minimums, 24/7 stores, inclusive design tools, and built-in fundraising that fuels what’s next.
Learn more about how SquadLocker and SquadSchool can support your school’s diverse programs.
