How much do you think you spend on kids' sports?
The cost of sending your son or daughter away for a week or more to a sports camp this summer can be daunting. But, for many, it’s all about helping talented kids realize their potential. And the sky is the limit in that case -- particularly when it comes to athletics.
According to the latest research by Investors Group, Canadian parents invest an average of $1,658 per year on their children’s athletic pursuits, although it's not unheard of to hear tales families spending four or five times that.
Forty-seven per cent spend at least $1,000 or more on lessons, equipment, camps, tournaments, and other expenses involved in supporting athletic extracurricular activities.
While roughly half say they haven't made sacrifices as a result of these financial commitments, 38% say they forgo personal expenditures on shopping and entertainment and 19 per cent have given up family vacations.
And it's not just the upfront dollars, of course: “In addition to hard dollar costs, there are a myriad of hidden costs that families need to consider,” says Investors Group sokesman Dan Collison.
“Combined, they can result in a bigger investment than expected with longer-term impact on family finances and overall quality of family life. Parents need to be cautious about losing sight of their overall financial well-being by planning ahead.”
How much are you willing to spend on sports for your kids? Has that number been climbing recently.
By Gordon Powers, MSN Money
Posted by: Keri | Jul 25, 2021 12:40:11 PM
Ringette registration: $1000 (for two)
Team fees $1000 for two
Equipment $300-500
Tournaments 4-6@ $500= $2000-3000
Ringette summer camp $1070
Fastball registration: $650 (for two)
equipment $250
Tournament x 2 = $800
Fastball Camp= $450
Easily $500-600 month if avaraged out.
Posted by: Joan | Jul 27, 2021 10:19:21 AM
The year our daughter went to a national event in figure skating we spent a total of about $20,000 between her and our other daughter. And we are NOT rich people. We sacrificed like crazy. It's a ridiculously expensive sport. Do I regret it? At times, yes. I think she focused way too much on one sport, and when she couldn't do it any more, she went through almost a mourning period. She basically lost a major piece of her identity. You always hear about the successful athletes who gave up everything else (and whose families sacrificed deeply), but you never hear about the also-rans who had the passion but lacked the ability for stardom. I'm not bitter, just putting it out there.
Posted by: Bruce Hann | Jul 27, 2021 10:27:03 AM
Our grand daughter discovered horses when she was two. She started riding at age eight.She is now twelve and rides both her horses at our small farm every day in the summer. Our daughter is a single mom and can ill afford the finances required to purchase and care for a horse. We must kick in to allow our grand daughter the ability to develop her skills with the animals she loves. I hate to think how much it is costing but I will try to break it down. Some of these are one time costs.
Horse $2500
Trailer $10000
Tack (saddle bridle etc.) $2500
Feed $2000 per year
Vet $600+/year
Ferrier $300+/year
Memberships (OEF, clubs etc) $300+/year
Events $60+/event
Lessons $50/week
Western Clothing$ 500+/year
Miscellaneous (fuel, meals away, etc) $1500+/ yr
Seeing her win ribbons... PRICELESS
No wonder we can't take vacations anymore!
Posted by: Wanda | Jul 27, 2021 12:12:56 PM
We spend roughly 1200.00-1500.00 per kid, I think they need to increase the fitness tax, 500.00 barely covers a season of hockey !
Posted by: average parent | Jul 27, 2021 2:06:43 PM
After reading these comments, I realize my family would be broke if either of the kids went into sports. Neither has ever thought about it. I can't believe the waste of $$.
Posted by: D. Jones | Jul 27, 2021 4:29:37 PM
to the one that wrote on their grandaughter's interest in horses, run, get out now. our cost from age 10-university was $300,000.00. don't get into the A circuit. average cost today for a good show horse is a minimum of $75,000+
Posted by: T. Wright | Jul 27, 2021 5:18:00 PM
For a top tier baseball player you will spend between $5000 - $10,000 per year. Age 16-18 Initially while in Little League(age 5-12) it will be much less. Closer to $200 including equipment and probably one tournament. As they get older and only if they want to progress to a higher level they have to travel farther which is where some of the cost comes in. Also Academy fees, special coaching etc can add up fast. A top coach will charge $50 - $100 per hour min.
At age 16 we expect to spend $10,000 per year. A small investment for a solid chance at a scholarship though when you consider top universities in the US average $50,000 per year in tuition and fees. For these costs our son will train all year round. He will play Premier league, attend showcase tournaments etc. which will involve air travel. He will also be getting a high level of professional coaching. Like any sport the expense is directly related to how high a level you want to go.
Posted by: Dana | Jul 27, 2021 6:01:15 PM
@average parent:
I wouldn't say "waste of money". The benefits of being involved in sport can be huge! As a kid I was heavily involved in dance. It's about $300/month plus $2000 per year for competitions. By the time I was 14 though, I had to pay for my classes myself. Being involved in this was my saving grace. I lost my dad when I was 12. Dance was my emotional release, it kept me out of trouble, it has made me conscience of my health (which I have carried into adulthood), and developed invaluable skills. I often wonder where I would be if I didn't have dance to turn to. It could have been drugs, depression, obesity - numerous things. As T. Wright said though, "the expense is directly related to how high a level you want to go." So, being involved in one karate class, or one dance class per week at the recreational level could have the same benefits at about $40/month.
Posted by: havoc72 | Jul 27, 2021 6:03:39 PM
well, as long as I'M not paying for your kids sports, all is well. very tired of parents who expect public education institutions and our government to foot their bill for a broken condom
Posted by: Carey Shelby | Jul 27, 2021 6:31:26 PM
My son plays elite level baseball and I average approximately $12-15k a year in baseball related expenses but it's well worth the investment! After all it's still a lot cheaper than rehab or bailing them out of jail. Sports is a great way to keep kids fit, healthy, involved in their communities and outside getting fresh air instead of plunked in front of the tv playing video games. The lessons of teamwork, respect and camraderie last a lifetime.
Posted by: Jennifer | Jul 28, 2021 4:09:11 PM
$1700 training fee Provinical gymnast
$225 registartion
$650 8 comps
$350 suits
hotels travel $2500
$1400 interclub gymnast
$120 registartion
$300 comps
$200 suits
$1400 interclub gymnast
$120 registation
$300 comp
$200 suits
$500 extras hair stuff yoga suits socks etc
$600 boys rec gymnastic
$300 hockey Rec
Posted by: KELLY | Jul 28, 2021 4:43:24 PM
$1000 hockey/carding fees/tryouts
$1000 spring hockey fees
$1000 all hockey equipment each season
$200 school basketball
$900 spring basketball
$2500 basketball travel to seattle and vegas
$200 basketball shoes/ball
$300 school competitive cheerleading
$2500 projected travel costs to hawaii for cheerleading
$500 privates and tumbling for cheer
this is my projected costs for sports this year for my 2 children!
$10 000 - 2012
Posted by: rotciv | Jul 28, 2021 9:15:45 PM
we have two girls, both play hockey & soccer. the cost for both sports is high enough. however , dont forget to count in the hotel & three meals a day , gas and wear & tear on your car every tournament, at least every second weekend all winter and any time through the week in the summer for soccer.Plus work missed to go to these games.
Posted by: Cris | Jul 29, 2021 12:11:25 AM
Sports is free in many countries around the world. They have a national sports program, as well as national education program, health care, etc. And they pay almost the same, if not less taxes than Canadians. Canada does nothing for sports. No wonder there are so many obese, sick people in this country. And it will get worse. The results you can see at the Olympics, especially the summer games.
Sports is very important in a child's education. If you don't get this, you won't get anything else.
It has become a business in this country. Get out of Canada, those who are not born here and want their kids to grow up healthy and educated and without debt. It is hopeless.
Posted by: Mr. Negative | Jul 30, 2021 9:19:47 AM
Sports are expensive - not sure why when a game like soccer - baseball etc come with a bat, ball and some foot wear? There are schools all over the country with paid for baseball/soccer diamonds that we can use - to be honest - i would rather my kid play sports for fun and free - being competitive is one thing - but the politics is another. It is all about money and what parenting crew you belong too.
I say...play the sport because you love it - if you are really good - someone else will pay for you to play - scout - school etc.
Way to expensive these days - not to mention - most of the sports take place in tax paid arenas/soccer feilds, baseball diamond, community centres etc.
Not sure where all the money goes.
Posted by: Darhubberstundt | Jul 31, 2021 4:28:37 PM
@average parent... waste of money???? If you can't afford it, then that is fine. Get your kids involved in some physical activity, but DO NOT criticize those of us who can afford it for spending a lot of money on our kid's sports. To me, spending up to $20,000 per year is absolutely nothing! To other's, maybe not, but I don't live to please others. Don't tell me I am wasting my money just to compensate for your lack of self-esteem.