Our boys have been playing soccer for the past 5 years, to offset some of the expenses that come with playing organized sports, my husband has been volunteering his time as the team’s coach. Sports related expenses can add up rather quickly between fees, equipment, travel, time and snacks it can be in upwards of hundredths of dollars. Of course, you want your kids to participate in organized sports to get some exercise, but foremost, to learn to be part of a team. Today’s kids extra curricular activities can take a big bite into your household monthly or annual budget, however, they don’t have to! Keep reading to find out my tips to help you save money on your kids sports activities.
Tips to Help you Save Money on Your Kids Sports Activities!
Tip 1: Volunteer your time – As I mentioned above, my husband has been volunteering his time to be the kids team’s coach, by volunteering we are offered a discount on the kid’s fees. If you or your spouse have the time, find out if your sporting organization offers a discount to coaches or to assistant coaches. By volunteering you not only will save money on your kid’s fees, but you will also spent the time with them guiding them and teaching them how to be a team player.
Tip 2: Keep your sporting activities local to you – Before the kids began playing soccer, we did our research to find local sporting organization that didn’t required to travel to different parks each week for practices and games. Think about this: on average you will be driving your kids to 2 practice and 1 game weekly. If you have to make those round trips 3 times a week, it can easily consume into your transportation budget fast. Another suggestion is, keep your kids extra curricular actives to 1 or 2. You have to take into consideration that your time is valuable, if you have to drive them all over town, you will not only chew through your transportation budget but you will also have to budget the time spent driving them.
Tip 3: Save on equipment – Oh dear, that word gives me chills, just ask my husband! 🙂 Equipment can get expensive pretty fast, with two kids playing soccer, we had gone through many pairs of soccer shoes throughout the years. When it comes to equipment for soccer, baseball, basketball, hockey or any other organized sport, your best bet is to purchase used shoes or gloves. Check with you local mommy groups for hand-me-downs, second hand stores, garage sales or online. Just be mindful to check the equipment thoroughly and not skimp on safety. Check your local sporting goods stores for bundle set that includes cleats, chin guards & size specific balls, these set are usually offered at the beginning of sport season and reduce the overall price of the individual items.
Tip 4: Save money on snacks – If your kids will be participating in organized sports, it is imminent that at some point in the season, it will be your turn to bringing snacks for the entire team. If you account for this plus drinks and snack for your own kid’s practices then snacks can get pricey. My advice is to pack fresh fruits, water bottles, and sandwiches you made at home (remember to use allergy-neutral cold cuts or make a note of who is allergic to what in the team).
By making smart choices, your kids will be able to enjoy playing their favorite sports and your budget will not suffer along the way.