Youth sports costs going up? We've got 6 tips to help.
If you’ve been watching the Summer Games, you may wonder what it takes to compete at the pinnacle of one’s sport. Many top athletes find their calling at a young age, and parents can attest that the costs associated with playing youth sports can add up fast.
According to one recent survey, the average family pays $833 annually in one child’s primary sport. If you have multiple athletes, the costs associated can wind up being a significant chunk of a family’s budget.
We offer six tips and tools on how to keep costs down while supporting your budding athlete.
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Do your research and price shop.
If you’re going beyond your school or district’s sports leagues, it’s worth doing some comparison shopping. Different clubs or programs have varying fees. Talking to other parents is a great way to learn about the differences between programs and the value you may get for your money. -
Buy second-hand equipment or find a hand-me-down buddy.
Equipment is a hefty portion of the total price tag of participating in youth sports. The good news is, you can save a bundle buying second-hand equipment instead of buying everything brand-new. Better yet, find an older relative, family friend or teammate slightly larger than your child and see if they’d be willing to pass their gear down at an even steeper discount. -
Carpool and share travel costs.
Travel accounts for the biggest percentage of youth sports costs. Consider carpooling and room sharing with other families, and ask your league whether they have any discounts with airlines, hotels and car rental companies. -
If you’re traveling, make sure you’re getting points.
Travel credit cards often offer cash back or points that are redeemable for air travel, hotels and rental cars. As long as you’re paying off the balances each month, the points can add up and be an easy way to reduce overall travel expenses. -
Find out if your league or local sports teams offer discounts.
Some club teams and youth leagues have discounts or deals with equipment retailers. In addition, some professional sports teams have discounted youth programs. -
Look for grant programs.
Your town or school district may have sports registration fee grant programs, and some national organizations allow qualifying families to apply for grants online. For example, Every Kid Sports is a national nonprofit that provides financial grants to cover youth sports registration fees for kids from income-restricted families.
The great news is that the data is clear: any investment you’re making in youth sports is likely worth it. Physically active children report lower levels of depression and higher self-esteem — and they are less likely to be obese and more likely to go to college. In fact, people who stay active into adulthood earn more annually than those who are not active, are less likely to have a disability, and have lower health costs overall. So get out there with your kids and see who can take the gold in your favorite backyard activity. And know that supporting your kids in youth sports will set them on a path to success in the long run.
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