How to Save Money While Cultivating Your Child’s Sports interest

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It can be rewarding to see your kid competing on a team. And we all know the benefits and life skills that children can develop from playing sports. But let’s be honest: It can wear your wallet out in no time. Between registration, equipment, and traveling, there are many costs associated with kid sports, and you must make a plan if you want to encourage your child’s sports interests without going broke. Below, NGSC Sports shows you how to do just that!

Consider All the Costs

The first step of saving money is to make sure you understand all of your current and potential expenses related to your child’s sports interests. Perhaps the most obvious cost is the equipment required to play the sport. And since kids are constantly growing, you will need to consider how often you must replace their gear, clothes, and warm-ups.

If your child frequently travels out of the county or state for games or tournaments, there are transportation, meals, and hotel rooms to pay for—not to mention if you have to take time off of work. Also, participation fees can quickly add up, whether it’s registering with a recreational department, purchasing customized team gear, or paying for team pictures.

Moreover, your son or daughter could get injured playing their sport at any time. Make sure you understand your health care coverage so that you can prepare for any preventative, walk-in, or emergency care expenses.

Another thing to consider is that your child may want to witness their favorite team play in person. Be sure to use discount ticket sites to save money on great times. For example, you could take the fam to a Yankees game or see any other teams in the area. If your child’s favorite team is located in a different state, you could take a trip and catch a home game. Renting a vacation rental or using travel package sites can keep the costs down.

Cut Costs

Once you have an idea of the costs involved, it’s time to come up with a strategy for how you can keep them down!

Choosing a Team

Not all teams and leagues are the same. Your child’s specific abilities and aspirations will largely determine the type of team and league that is best for them. For instance, if your kid hopes to score a scholarship or reach a regional level, you might choose a traveling club and prepare for the fees and travel expenses associated. However, if your child is just looking for a fun extracurricular activity and social opportunity, consider going with a more affordable, less competitive program.

Choosing a Sport

Your child’s interests will play a key role in choosing what sports they play. But one thing to consider is encouraging them to play a sport that requires minimal equipment. Purchasing sports gear is the most expensive part of child sports, and if your kid chooses to swim or do cross-country, you won’t have to worry about buying as much equipment.

Getting Second-Hand Equipment

If you want to save money, remember that your child will likely need different sizes of clothing and equipment each year. Many retailers offer used equipment and clothing, not to mention Craigslist, Facebook groups, and other marketplaces. You can also check out your local charity shops to see if they have anything available. Moreover, if you need new tees, leggings, or sports bras to keep yourself comfortable while practicing with your kid, look to online retailers that offer steep discounts.

Organized sports are excellent outlets for kids to stay social and active, and they can go a long way in developing character. But there is no getting around that childhood athletics is expensive. Remember to write out all the costs associated with your child’s sport, and use some (or all) of the strategies above to keep them within your budget. That way, you can reap the benefits of watching your child on the field without worrying about what it is doing to your financial standing.

If you enjoyed this article, you can find more sports content on NGSCSports.com today!