The American Association of Pediatrics emphasizes the importance of children playing sports for their physical health and overall well-being. However, the cost of youth sports can be a barrier for many families, with an average annual cost of nearly $900. As parents gear up for fall sports season, they are faced with the expense of equipment, fees, and travel.
Parents like Erin Hirsch and Bob Jarvis are feeling the financial strain of funding their children’s sports endeavors. Hirsch spends around $1,200 a year for her daughter’s club lacrosse, while Jarvis, a father of four, runs a Play It Again Sports franchise to provide affordable options for families. The average parent spends around $880 per year on their child’s primary sport, including fees, equipment, and travel costs. Some sports, like ice hockey and baseball, can cost parents as much as $20,000 and $14,000, respectively, over the course of their child’s education.
Professor Brian Gearity from the University of Denver suggests that colleges offering more affordable or free education could alleviate the pressure on children to secure sports scholarships. In the meantime, saving on gear and equipment can help stretch a family’s budget, especially for those with multiple children in sports. Ultimately, society needs to reconsider its priorities when it comes to the financial burden of youth sports.
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