Engaging in sports is not just about physical activity; it’s a pathway to better mental health, self-esteem, and overall well-being for children. The American Association of Pediatrics emphasizes that children who enjoy playing sports are more likely to continue participating in athletic activities as they grow, which supports their long-term health. However, the rising costs of youth sports pose a significant challenge for American families, with the average annual cost nearing $900. So, how can families afford these expenses while ensuring their children reap the benefits of sports?
As parents gear up for back-to-school shopping, they also face the costs associated with fall sports. According to Capital One Shopping Research, the average household spends around $890 on back-to-school items. Whether it’s for club sports or a beginner recreation league, parents must budget for equipment, fees, and other related expenses.
For some families, the financial burden is considerable. Erin Hirsch, whose daughter plays club lacrosse, shared her experience: “[We spend] about $1,200 for the year for the actual, like, club. And then I don’t know how much uniforms will be,” she said. Hirsch’s situation is not unique; many parents find themselves spending large sums on their children’s sports activities.
Bob Jarvis, a father of four, recognized this challenge and took action by opening a Play It Again Sports franchise, a store that specializes in both new and used sports equipment. For parents looking to save money, purchasing second-hand gear can be a game-changer.
“This skate, right here. New, it’s $950. And we’re selling it for $200. So pretty good deal. If we go to the other end of the spectrum, here’s a little kid’s skate for $35. We get them started in a very reasonable manner,” Jarvis explained.
According to a study by the Aspen Institute’s Sports and Society Program, the average parent spends around $880 per year on their child’s primary sport, including fees, equipment, and travel. In some cases, costs can escalate dramatically—for instance, parents might spend up to $20,000 on ice hockey or over $14,000 on baseball throughout their child’s sports journey.
Brian Gearity, a professor at the University of Denver who specializes in preparing future coaches, highlights the commercialization of youth sports as a significant factor in these rising costs. “If you think about the beginning of youth sports and physical education in the country in the 1900s, being in the schools, you didn’t have a lot of organized youth sports. It has changed dramatically over the last 120 years, with capitalist folks figuring out how to profit from youth sports,” Gearity noted.
A major driver behind these costs is the desire for college scholarships. With increasing investment in college sports and athletes being able to profit from their name, image, and likeness, the pressure on young athletes to perform and secure scholarships has intensified.
Gearity believes that universities could play a crucial role in alleviating this pressure by making college more affordable or even free. “I would love to see colleges become more affordable or free and watch the pressure in sports decline because that pressure on the kids to get a college scholarship is always there,” he said. Lowering college costs could reduce the need for scholarships, ultimately shifting societal priorities.
Until such changes occur, families can make smart choices to save on youth sports. Purchasing used equipment, like the gear available at Play It Again Sports, is one way to stretch the budget. “That adds up for one child,” Jarvis pointed out. “What if you have two children? What if you have four children? And everybody’s at a different place in life. So, if you can save some money, why not save some money?”
By taking advantage of cost-saving measures, families can ensure their children continue to participate in sports, benefiting from the physical and mental health advantages these activities provide, without breaking the bank.
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