Sports can be expensive – even for kids! As a mom of kids who play sports, we have spent so much money over the years on lessons, tuition, gear, travel, and more. It is important to expect that sports costs will add up, but you can plan accordingly. Here are some ways to help reduce your expenses.
Picture of my daughter starting her career as a field hockey goalie!
Buy used equipment
Instead of getting brand new equipment off the bat, which can be quite expensive, look for used equipment that is still in good condition, especially if your child is growing in size and ability. Check on online marketplaces like eBay, Craigslist, and Facebook Marketplace. There are often used sports stores or consignment shops that also carry sports items, from dancewear to ice skates.
Carpool
If you’re part of a team, consider carpooling with other parents. This can save you money on gas, as well as reduce the number of vehicles on the road.
Look for discounts
Some sports stores offer discounts to teams or leagues. Also, check with your child’s school or the community center to see if they offer any discounts.
Plan ahead
Buy equipment and supplies during off-seasons to avoid the price increase that can happen right before the start of the season. If your child travels for sports, make arrangements sooner rather than later. It’s also a good idea to book accommodations well in advance. Many sports team hotels offer special rates for off-season bookings, providing another way to manage your team’s budget effectively.
Look into lower cost sports and/or leagues
Some sports can be more expensive than others. For example, ice hockey may require a lot of gear as well as upkeep (blade sharpening, etc), as opposed to track or swimming, which requires less gear.
Different leagues have different fees. Choose the league that offers the best value for your money.
Rent equipment for specialty sports
Equipment required for specialty sports like skiing, snowboarding or ice-skating can be quite expensive. Renting equipment can be a great way to save money.
Take good care of equipment and sell what you don’t need
Be sure to take good care of equipment, from storage to cleaning. You can reduce damage to gear by proper care, and even if your child outgrows it before the equipment can no longer be used, you can sell it to make money back.
As a parent, I’m always looking for ways to cut costs while still supporting my kids’ athletic endeavors. Your suggestions and insights have given me some practical strategies to implement, ensuring that my children can enjoy their sports activities without breaking the bank.
Amazing tips, thank you so much…My son does Iaido, we bought most of the equipment used, a huge money saver.
These are actually such great tips. Used equipment is an amazing way to keep costs down a little. It’s tough with multiple kids in different sports too..thanks for this!
Hobbies and sports for kids can cost a lot. But yeah we can save some from discounts and renting equipment.
Yes, the price of sports can run up so high. It’s worth it but finding ways to save is definitely ideal.
Renting items is such a good idea! Sports can be so expensive but it is such a good idea for children to learn those skills and hang out with other people.
I am glad to hear about it! I really appreciate the tips you’ve shared and I found that so helpful!
Those are fabulous ideas to save some money. Sports are crazy expensive these days for kids so saving is great.
Every little savings help. Renting items and then reselling them once done is a fantastic way to save.
Kids should be encouraged to play sports, but the costs of equipment can add up quickly. Buy used equipment whenever you can and find youth leagues to join- many of them are cost efficient.
I have a kid who love to play basketball he’s a varsity. These are all really great and very helpful tips
Hhhhmmmm….planning ahead is the real deal! Whatever situation comes be it injury or need to buy equipment, you are properly placed to overcome these challenges.
Taking care of equipment is definitely worth all the trouble, it can save some much money. I really like all the other tips as well, thank you.
Yes, these are all great tips! I wish I had this list when my son was playing sports. So helpful!
I love to save money from buying used gears.I buy all of the gear that we need for a particular sport in thrift stores.
Im in constaant search for discounts/ looking for discounts is a great way to save money.
agree, kids must get into sports even at a young age. I can’t imagine any better activity or learning avenue better than sports.
In such stressful financial Times this is a fabulous post. So many great ideas to save money x
These are great ideas! We aren’t a sports family right now, but we do Cub Scouts which can also get expensive. We do all the fundraisers available with Scouts to help offset our dues and have passed shirts from one kid to another to save on expenses, too.
There is nothing wong wth buying good used equipment because it would say money. Great tips and ways to save money. I don’t have a child yet but will keep this in mind for the future.
Thanks for sharing these great tips.
These are some great tips for parents thank you so so much for sharing this one.
Purchasing reliable used equipment to save money is not a bad idea. Great advice on how to save money. These tips are amazing, and I also used these to save money.