How to Keep Your Kids Playing Sports Without Going Broke

If you’re a parent whose kids play sports, you probably are noticed that it costs a pretty penny. While you might be able to get away with a $20 jersey in kid soccer, you’ll face much higher entry and equipment fees as they get older and start playing on teams or rehearsing for big gigs. From plenty of hockey gear and baseball helmets (and mittens and bats and gloves and a special backpack to carry it all), and new ballet shoes for every growth spurt parents of sporty kids have to spend somethingo $700 per child per sport per year, accordingly Survey 2019 conducted by the Aspen Institute. Happily, there is Ways you can support your child’s sporting interests without breaking the bank.

There is less expensive sports

While your child’s passion may be in the land of figure skating, it’s worth directing them to sports with fewer heavy equipment fees (if these sports fit inside their personality and interests). Corresponding moneywhile hockey parents can earn more than $2,500 per child per year on average (skiing close behind at $2,250 per child), “sports like flag football, cross country, basketball, and soccer are among the cheapest, with average annual costs ranging from $268 to $537 per player.”

Also, talk to other parents and league coaches to find out if (and when) there is a significant jump in costs from play. for, for example, the cost may increase at a certain level or there might be Pressure or expectation to join a more expensive travel league beyond a certain age.

Sign up multiple kids for the same sport (and stick to one or two)

Encourage children to follow in the footsteps of their older siblings and try the same sport. (Wif they stay in this sport is a different story.) YThey can hopefully get a few years of common cleats, balls and racquets. Also, resist the temptation to sign them up for several different sports each season and encourage them to pick their top two for the year.

Skip the travel teams

Travel sports not only come with noticeably higher prices (higher registration fees, year-round play, high-end uniforms, and tournament fees), but also with less quantifiable ones but not inconsiderable effort to travel. By age 7, you can regularly drive your child away to games for up to an hour, and by age 9, they may be invited to compete in out-of-state tournaments that require hotel stays. Keep them on local, community-based recreational teams when needed to protect your wallet.

Buy (and sell) used equipment

Instead of going to your local sporting goods store to buy shiny new gear, buy (or better yet, rent) second-hand sporting gear whenever possible. If you don’t know how long your child will maintain interest in a particular sport (and their feet grow two sizes every year), It doesn’t make financial sense to spend $40 on each new pair of cleats when online resources ask for it Play it sports again and change of sides so you can spend a fraction of it. They also allow you to sell gear that you no longer need to subsidize your child’s next season. You can also use Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, and your local consignment store.

Shop during the off-season (and accept hand-me-downs)

Another way To avoid paying full price, stock up on your child’s next swim team tracksuit or outdoor soccer training waterproof jacket when these items are on sale. Whilst sport is practiced all year round you can still find deals on seasonal items such as shorts, sweatshirts, and bathing suits when the seasons change. And don’t be afraid to ask friends and neighbors if they’d like to trade in those size 13 cleats for a beginner’s tennis racquet that your child has used about once.

Carpool like it’s 1999

I could be wrong, but it seems there’s a lot less carpooling these days than when I was a kid. I have vivid memories of my mom carting half my brother’s soccer team in the back of her station wagon. Whenever possible, carpool with other parents who live nearby to save on gas bills and the tremendous amount of time lugging back and forth to practice.

Donate your time as a volunteer

Offering to coach a team can reduce (and save) the cost of your child’s enrollment fee you more deadline control). For example, if your child’s team is involved in expensive dance competitions, organizing fundraisers like bake sales or car washes for the team can also help reduce those costs.