The least and most expensive sports for your kids
It is agreed that sports for kids are highly beneficial. Not only do sports keep kids fit and healthy, but they help develop leadership skills, critical thinking skills, and can foster good sportsmanship. Nevertheless, not all extracurricular activities are feasible for all families. Certain sports for kids, especially at the competitive level, can be incredibly expensive, and can quickly threaten a family’s budget. While some activities are expensive, there are a couple of options that even the most frugal families can afford. A child who shows promise in a particular sport should be encouraged to compete, but you will need to keep your family's budget in mind as they progress. So, what are the most expensive and least expensive sports for kids?
Sports That Will Cost You
Gymnastics regularly tops the list of the most expensive sports a child can practice. At first, lessons are reasonable, ranging from 15-20 per one-hour class, but a child who shows an aptitude and desire to continue with the sport more seriously can end up with a bill topping $15,000 annually. On average gym time can run $300 per month for even beginner athletes. Private coaching can cost several hundred dollars per month, and equipment and travel can add up, too.
Along with gymnastics, hockey is among the most expensive sports your kids can take an interest in. Before you even strap a helmet on your young hockey player's head, you’ll spend thousands of dollars, advise sports experts. Hockey association fees can cost between $1,000 and $4,000 per season, and each player must pay game fees. Add in the cost of skates, equipment, travel and regularly replacing protective gear, and the sport can cost between $10,000 and $20,000 per year. Hockey is expensive because the rinks and ice are costly to maintain, and the insurance the league must carry is also an expensive venture. These costs are placed on the shoulders of parents who have kids who show skating promise.
Horseback riding is a beloved sport for many children. The idea of riding a horse and competing in a solo sport is appealing, but horseback riding is a costly activity. The cost of a horse is between $4,000 and $25,000, if you choose to purchase your own, and stabling and accompanying expenses can cost about $12k per year. Fees for riding and registration can also add up quickly. Rental and leasing options are equally as costly to maintain.
More Reasonable Alternatives
Soccer tops the list of the most economical sport for kids. Even competitive soccer can be easy on the pockets. Recreational leagues cost between $40 and $100 per season, while competitive league fees cap around $500 per season. Equipment costs between $50-$300 depending on the brands you choose to use. Overall, a child can take part in soccer, whether recreationally or competitively for under $1,000 per season.
Baseball is America’s past time for a reason—it is cheap enough for any child to take part in. Recreational leagues cost as little as $50 for a season, and equipment is often in abundance at garage sales and thrift stores. Even if you choose to buy all new equipment, parents will spend $200 on average each year on baseball equipment. For non-competitive players, baseball can be enjoyed for under $250 per season. More competitive players will need to factor travel costs and clinics into the equation.
While sports are a character-building opportunity for kids, there is a way to get your kids involved in sports without forking over all of your savings, and sending your family into financial peril. To keep your budget intact, keep activities limited to one per season, and ensure you're signing up for recreation leagues only until you know your child shows promise and a desire to participate on a more competitive level.
Equal Housing Lender