When did Sport get so expensive for children?

When did Sport get so expensive for children?

We all want our children to be happy and not to be stuck to their screens but is our country making it easy for them to do that?

My daughter started doing gymnastics at a club a year ago. Before that it was her watching youtube and being self taught. She started off getting just going  for 45 mins once a week in the evening. She has now got quite good as has been in the ‘development squad’ which trains 3 times a week for 2.5 hours each time.

This costs me £105 a month which is a sizeable amount. But this is not the only costs the added costs and the time – she starts in the evening at 5 – some parents don’t finish work in time for this?

The leotard was £100, the rest of the tracksuit was £100, internal competition is £30 each time plus two lots of membership which were £20 each. This all came in one month. Plus she has started basketball at school which was another £60 this month (but these were the fees for the term). Plus equipment at home so she can practice, bar, airtrack, beam – all nearly £100 each.

I am lucky to be able to do it at the moment, but if the cost of living carries on getting more expensive or my circumstances change, as I am self employed – will this be one of the things to go? So are children missing out?

This has made me think about this and it must be a concern for families. So I have done a bit of research. Here is my breakdown of things to think about so you don’t get a shock like I did with all the add ons. It is no wonder some children don’t do it when you look at the below and see why it is becoming so expensive….

1. Participation Fees

Many sports clubs and leagues charge participation or membership fees, which can vary significantly depending on the sport and the level of competition. Elite or competitive leagues, in particular, tend to have higher fees due to the need for professional coaching, tournament participation, and better facilities. Even grassroots programs often charge fees to cover basic costs like pitch hire, referees, or insurance.

2. Equipment Costs

Sports equipment can be quite expensive, especially in sports like football, rugby, cricket, hockey, or cycling. For children, the need to frequently replace gear as they grow adds another layer of expense. Depending on the sport, families might need to purchase specialized footwear, protective equipment, or uniforms, all of which contribute to the rising cost of participation.

For instance:

• Football requires boots, shin pads, and team kits.

• Cricket involves purchasing bats, pads, helmets, and gloves.

• Cycling can require a significant investment in bikes, helmets, and maintenance.

I was talking to a football coach this week who has just bought a £2k special camera to film the team. All the parents chipped in apparently!

3. Travel and Competitions

As children progress in their chosen sport, they often need to travel to participate in competitions, tournaments, or training sessions. Travel expenses, such as petrol, accommodation, and meals, can add up quickly, particularly for families whose children compete at higher levels or in national tournaments. Some sports also require international travel for competitions, which increases costs even further.

4. Coaching and Training

Many children in the UK now participate in specialized coaching sessions, which come at a cost. Whether it’s one-on-one coaching or extra training sessions to improve skills, the cost of professional coaching can be significant, especially in sports like tennis, swimming, and gymnastics. Elite academies and private coaching programs tend to be costly, adding to the financial burden for parents.

5. Club and Facility Fees

Sports that require access to specific facilities, such as swimming pools, gymnasiums, or indoor courts, may involve additional fees for renting or using those spaces. Clubs often pass these costs on to parents through increased membership or session fees. This is particularly true for sports like swimming, ice hockey, and gymnastics, where facility access is essential.

6. Regional Disparities

The cost of sports participation can vary depending on where families live in the UK. In some areas, local councils or organizations subsidize sports programs, making them more affordable. However, in other regions, especially where public funding for sports has been reduced, the cost of participation can be much higher. Families in rural areas may also face additional challenges due to the lack of accessible sports facilities and the need to travel longer distances for training or matches.

7. Impact of COVID-19

The COVID-19 pandemic worsened the affordability of youth sports. Many sports clubs and organizations faced financial difficulties due to lockdowns and reduced participation, leading to increased fees in an attempt to recover lost income. Moreover, economic pressures on families, including rising living costs and wage stagnation, have made it harder for some to afford extracurricular activities like sports.

Addressing the Cost of Youth Sports in the UK

Efforts are being made to address the rising cost of youth sports participation. Some of the solutions include:

• Government and Council Support: Some local councils offer reduced-cost or free access to sports facilities for children, and there are grants available for families on low incomes.

• Charity Programs: Organizations like Sported (www.sported.co.uk) and Access Sport https://www.accesssport.org.uk provide funding and support for disadvantaged children to participate in sports.

• Club Scholarships: Some sports clubs offer scholarships or reduced fees for talented children or those from low-income families to ensure that cost isn’t a barrier to participation.

However, despite these initiatives, many families still find the cost of organized sports prohibitive. The rising costs are contributing to growing inequality in sports participation, with children from wealthier families more likely to have access to high-quality coaching and facilities, while children from lower-income families are being priced out. This in my opinion needs to be sorted out

While participation in sports provides immense benefits to children’s physical, mental, and social well-being, the growing costs associated with youth sports in the UK are becoming a barrier for many families. Addressing these financial challenges will require ongoing support from the government, community initiatives, and sports organizations to ensure that every child, regardless of their background, has the opportunity to participate and enjoy the lifelong benefits that sports provide.

I personally believe out of school activities are so important and my PE teachers words form 30 years ago are still in my head – the more you do out of school the more successful you will be.

I can’t believe it was so expensive all those years ago

When finances come into it it is like anything – it is prioritisation

Have a good week

Laura and Nicola x