Your child’s extracurricular activities are important, but figuring out how to pay for them might be difficult,
especially if you are on a budget. With registration fees, equipment prices, and travel costs, youth sports can be an
expensive investment. Fortunately, there are several ways to support your kids’ sports interests without breaking the
bank.
- Focus on Fewer Activities
While it is common for kids to sample different sports throughout the year, the hefty price of multi-sport
participation can stretch your budget. Instead of enrolling your child in several sports, encourage them to focus on
just one or two to reduce the overall costs associated with equipment and team fees.
Consider these sports which your child can play for most of the year:
• Baseball
• Soccer
• Basketball
• Golf
• Running
Sports with longer seasons and optional training camps allow your child to play fewer sports throughout the year
while creating strong bonds with their teammates. - Find Cheap Coaching Options
As much as most coaches love their jobs, they can’t work for free. One way to find affordable coaching is to visit
local community centers and compare costs between sports organizations.
When considering coaching options, look for someone patient and supportive with a good attitude. Healthy
competition builds character, but winning isn’t everything, and offering your child a safe environment to learn and
grow from their losses can help them develop as a person.
- Save on Equipment
Depending on your child’s sport, ensuring they have the necessary equipment could be one of your most significant
expenses. One way to reduce spending is to encourage them to play low-cost sports that require less gear, such as
soccer, basketball, or badminton.
If your child does play a more resource-intensive sport, it’s a good idea to look for deals when purchasing
equipment. Shop in the off-season to find deep discounts or consider checking secondhand shops, which often have
a variety of gently used football, baseball, or ice hockey equipment at a fraction of the cost. - Share Travel Costs
Depending on their frequency and location, traveling to matches and competitions could involve long drives or
flights, hotel rooms, and food. Experts suggest communicating with other parents to arrange group discounts or
finding someone interested in sharing a room to minimize costs.
Another budget-friendly idea is to join a carpooling group. Carpooling doesn’t just save money, but it also reduces
stress by giving you more time for other responsibilities. If your child’s team doesn’t have a dedicated carpooling
group, consider starting one by finding interested parents and coordinating your schedules. - Use Free Practice Spaces
If you have a yard, consider converting it into a practice area. Installing a basketball hoop, setting up a soccer net, or
clearing space for running drills require minimal effort and allow you to save on facility fees.
A professional landscaper or lawn care specialist can help create the perfect outdoor space for your child. When
shopping for a landscaper, have a clear idea of what you need, compare online reviews, and search for promotions to
find the best deal.
As a parent, ensuring kids participate in healthy activities is not always easy or affordable. Youth sports are a fun
way for your child to stay active while building self-esteem and developing valuable skills in teamwork, fair play,
and discipline. By looking for deals, utilizing available resources, and choosing budget-friendly options, you can
save on costs while supporting your child’s interests.
