Dominic-James Cornforth is an ASU Cronkite School of Journalism student assigned to cover Fountain Hills High School for AZPreps365.com

FOUNTAIN HILLS, Ariz. — Behind the Friday night lights of Fountain Hills High School, the football program depends on more than ticket sales to keep players equipped, teams traveling and games running.

For the football program, some of the biggest costs are equipment, uniforms and transportation. Fountain Hills athletic director Luke Salzman said equipment must continually be maintained and replaced to keep players safe.

“We have stuff, but you always have to replace new stuff to keep the kids safe,” Salzman said. “We just got new jerseys, which look good. Those are really expensive.”

Transportation is another major hurdle, especially in Arizona, where road trips can require several hours of travel.

“Transportation’s a big cost. It really is,” Salzman said. 

The program receives some money from ticket sales and participation fees, but Salzman said those funds help cover referees and costs associated with the Arizona Interscholastic Association. 

“So yeah, it's a tight budget,” Salzman said. “They don't have money just spilling out everywhere.”

That makes community support important. 

Nathan Hall, a member of the Fountain Hills Athletic Booster Club, said the organization operates concessions at many Fountain Hills athletic events and holds other fundraisers to support all the Fountain Hills teams throughout their seasons. 

“We’re trying to help raise money for the different sports programs as they need it,” Hall said.

Hall said booster money can help pay entry fees for events such as volleyball tournaments, swim, and cross-country meets and any other event that may need help. The organization also purchases equipment and team attire, pays for senior banners and is raising money for new baseball and softball scoreboards. 

Business support was visible throughout Fountain Hills’ home football game against ALA - Anthem South on Oct. 2. Sponsor signs lined the fences, while several businesses received recognition over the public-address system. 

Of the participating companies, Arizona Propane received repeated recognition. After each Fountain Hills first down, the announcer mentioned the company, its more than 50 years in business and said the play would result in a contribution to the team. The amount or form of the contribution was not announced. 

The more the Falcons moved the chains, the more airtime the sponsor received. 

The Pellegrini Group was also recognized multiple times during the game as part of the program's business support.

Another local business, Faerie Tales Creamery, has found a different way to help. CEO Tawnie DeSpain said the company does not accept tips. Instead, the money customers leave as tips goes back to the school the business is working with. 

“Anybody that wants to tip, that always goes back to the school that we're working with, which has been Fountain Hills from the very beginning,” DeSpain said. 

DeSpain said the company has been working directly with the school for about three months and hopes to help fill the gaps it has seen in school funding. 

For Fountain Hills athletics, raising money is only part of the equation. Salzman said the coaches also have to carefully track helmets, jerseys and other equipment because replacing the lost gear creates another expense.

“Managing is a big cost-saving aspect,” Salzman said. “Money is tight, so it's a challenge.”

From ticket sales and booster fundraising to local business support and careful equipment management, Fountain Hills athletics relies on several sources to stretch a limited budget. Keeping teams on the field requires not only raising money but making the most of resources already available.