Welcome Julia Mitchell from Outspiration.net with this guest article.
Any way you look at it, raising kids is expensive. When you have kids who want to play sports, the costs can quickly add up and overwhelm you.
How do you get your kid involved in sports without breaking the bank? C.O.A.C.H. — not in the literal sense, but rather use the acronym to remember these five strategies to make kids’ sports more affordable. Read on for some insights from Bats & Balls Podcast.
1. C – Choose Low-Cost Sports Activities
Studies cited by Money.com show that per child, parents spend nearly $700 each year on sports activities. Total costs vary widely by sport, with equipment and travel accounting for the highest expenses. Sports like track, which require minimal gear, can cost as little as $250, while equipment-heavy sports like ice hockey can set you back more than $2,500.
Another significant cost factor is the level of competition at which your child plays. Participation in highly competitive sports programs increases the amount spent on registration, equipment, and travel and introduces additional expenses such as private lessons and off-season training camps.
Before making a big financial commitment, encourage your child to try low-cost sports in non-competitive programs to build interest and skills.
2. O – Organize Team Fundraisers and Carpools
If you have the time, you can support your child’s sports interests by volunteering. TeamGenius suggests coordinating fundraising activities, which can help reduce costs not only for your family but for the entire team.
For an additional money-saving option, connect with other team parents to arrange carpooling to and from games and practices. Families will appreciate spending less on gas and enjoy getting to know each other.
3. A – Ask Your Child What They Hope to Get From Playing
Parents may unintentionally pressure kids to perform when all they really want is to run around and have fun with their friends. When your child asks about participating in sports, talk about why they want to play. Aligning your expectations will help to keep sports enjoyable and fulfilling for your child. Consider your child’s goals, age, and athleticism to determine which sports activities would be more appropriate.
No matter which sport your child plays, emphasize that winning is not the most important outcome. Reinforce valuable lessons such as good sportsmanship, teamwork, commitment, perseverance, and growth.
4. C – Create a Practice Space in Your Backyard
Your yard is a great place to practice when your child is away from the field. Keep your outdoor space well-maintained with a landscaping service. Aid your search for a reputable landscaper by reading online reviews. Visit companies’ websites and social media pages to take advantage of current promotions.
5. H – Hunt for Secondhand Equipment
Kids outgrow uniforms and equipment as quickly as they do everyday clothing. Avoid buying pricey, brand-new equipment and shop for secondhand items instead. Organize a swap with other sports families or search online retailers for discounted gear.
Supporting your child’s sports interests does not have to become a financial burden. Invest your time and resources in money-savers like fundraising, carpooling, and finding gently used gear. With the right approach, your child will get considerably more from sports than you’ll ever have to give.
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Julia Mitchell
info@outspiration.net
Outspiration.net
Bats & Balls Podcast 