My 8 year old does wrestling and it's about $140/month.
Regular season (folkstyle) is August - February and costs $900.
Off season (freestyle/greco Roman) is March-May and costs $400.
He attends about 6 meets per season and those cost about $20 to compete + $10 for a parent to attend so about $360 in competition fees.
ETA - if he goes to any non local meets then that's more $ for a hotel/travel food. We haven't done that yet but will see what his coaches want him to do next year. This also doesn't include privates/semi privates over the summer but I haven't decided if we are doing that.
ETA- I think the whole club sports thing is such BS and I hate that we had to partake. It is what it is; no regrets but I won't miss it!
100% But my kid loves it and it has been SO GOOD for him. I've landed at, "don't hate the player, hate the game."
I actually loved AAU basketball. My kid had so much fun and met so many kids from other schools. watching them play against each other in High School was so fun to watch.
but we didn't sign up for any reason except he had a love of basketball and wanted to play competitively above the regular rec level where everyone plays equally.
Right now we have it made. $200 per softball season. $30 a week for private trombone lessons. Totally reasonable. DD wants to get back to tennis this summer though and that will be more in the $200 per month range.
DS1 - Swimming, training 4-6 per week year round is about $750 for the year. Then equipment/suits etc is about $250. If he competes on the national level (which he is aiming for next year), it will be about $1500/2000 for that meet whcih will be elsewhere in the Caribbean (may be less as I would use airmiles)
DS1 - cricket, 2x per week year round, via school so completely free.
DS2 - soccer, club level is 7 months a year. About $750 for those months. Plus cleats. And tournaments are extra but they are all local so only about $30 per tournament. His team travels internationally once year - he hasnt gone yet but that is about $1500 if he does.
DS2 - soccer, at school 5x per week for 4 months a year and is completely free.
DS2 - track, at school. 1x per week out of season, 3x per week in season and is completely free.
We are fortunate that their school includes all sports for free if you represent the school. WE help with fundraising but that's it
DD: $50 per lesson (generally weekly) for horseback riding, plus $50 per competition, and a few other one-off events had fees. Other than a helmet and boots, equipment is minimal. I'd estimate between $2500-3000/year.
DS: Around $450 per season for mountain bike team. Plus travel (last year 3 of his races required overnights). This year he is also going to a weeklong skills camp (sleepaway, in another state) that was $1500. Equipment is what kills you. He started with a hand me down bike that we realized within the first month was not good enough for competition. A basic, competitive bike was $1k. He has since upgraded. I'm not sure exactly what he worked out with DH and I don't want to know, but I do know that he contributed a lot of his own money. It was still an absurd amount of money, but it is his passion and a sport that he can continue throughout his life.
I’m going to throw mine in here, as I pay the same thing as the teenagers in my classes.
$140/month for 1 class/week and unlimited practice at one club $66/month for unlimited practice at my other club (this is mostly for social aspects) Tournaments are $40-80 each, I only go to ones within ~90 minutes driving, so no hotel cost.
Equipment… 😭 I just spent $1000 this week to finish outfitting myself for two weapons. Because I decided I wanted two full kits. And, because I’m an adult n not growing, I did get the higher end stuff. My first kit, a year ago, was roughly $500 for protective clothing and equipment.
DD1 is a graduating senior. Band was $500 for the year; we really didn't have to buy anything for her uniform this year. We do send her with money for competitions (snacks, etc), contribute to fundraisers, and buy new reeds/replacement stuff for her instrument. I would say $800 for the year this year; it is the least expensive year we've had in a while. (They did a Disney trip last year. We own her instrument outright. Other years have definitely had more big ticket items) She did travel and club sports through late elementary and middle school; it was easily a few hundred per month on average. Plus SO much time...
DD2 takes piano lessons from a retired teacher in her house. We spend 100/mo on lessons plus books. She's probably $1400 for the year. We own her instrument so the day to day stuff is much lower. It was also double the cost when she went to a school vs a private person.
DD3 takes dance classes for 80/mo plus registration (40) and recital (500ish all-in). She does another EC through school for $40/school year. She's elementary school aged so I assume we'll get bigger bills if she gets more serious about dance or another sport.
8 year old plays rec soccer or basketball every season (8 wks at a time); about $200 registration per season x 3 seasons= $600
8 year old and 12 year old dp tae kwon do. This costs $300 (total) per month (2 classes a week per kid) plus $150 every 8 weeks for testing. Total yearly cost for the two of them is $4500 (yikes!). This will get more expensive at the next belt level when they add sparring classes and gear.
Swim lessons are about $40/month. She doesn't do club swimming.
Gymnastics are about $150/month for 1 lesson a week, and she just does recreational gymnastics.
Soccer is another $80/month plus a new pair of cleats and shin pads emas needed. She does both "for fun" soccer and academy soccer so she plays twice a week in the fall/winter and 3 times a week in spring.
She also plays violin, but other than fighting with me about practicing, it doesn't fall under your question about sports. Still, it is an extra curricular and costs $35/week for lessons and $40/month for violin rental.
my kid is in first grade and just today I got slapped with the reality of youth sports.
He does soccer through the rec which is like $30 for the fall. 1x week practice. no equipment required, really laid back. Ski team in winter which we luck out with due to H's job, so that is free. 4 hours a week. equipment is also free. track team through school, free, twice weekly practices right after school. sneakers once a year is the only equipment.
but we just added little league and even for 6 year olds, he has 90 minute practices 2x a week, weekly SATURDAY AFTERNOON games, I have to buy a bat, mitt, cleats, multiple pants, socks and a belt. The fee was not a lot, but this just seems too young, lol. I was not prepared!
100% But my kid loves it and it has been SO GOOD for him. I've landed at, "don't hate the player, hate the game."
I actually loved AAU basketball. My kid had so much fun and met so many kids from other schools. watching them play against each other in High School was so fun to watch.
but we didn't sign up for any reason except he had a love of basketball and wanted to play competitively above the regular rec level where everyone plays equally.
Absolutely. Watching my ADHD kid who has struggled socially in school, grow into a strong player, valued team player, and (elected!) captain of the team? I would pay double what I've already paid and will keep doing so as long as he is happy, safe, and growing.
Post by midwestmama on Apr 18, 2024 11:28:23 GMT -5
We spend a lot on sports, mostly for DS.
DS: Football (tackle) - depended on the season and what equipment DS needed. The years we needed to buy all equipment, it was around $600 (helmet - $350, shoulder pads - $150, pants - $50, cleats - $50). When DS got into middle school, he was able to access cheaper cleats due to a group order option (still around $50 due to being in adult sizes; when he was in youth sizes, we could find them for $50). He will be part of the high school program next year, and we will only have to buy his cleats; everything else will be provided by the school.
DS: Baseball (travel) - around $1000-$1500 in league/association fee plus tournament fees for 1 season. Uniform (jerseys) is around $200 a season, depending on how many we need to buy. Equipment is often around $500, assuming he needs a new bat, batting gloves, and pants. We bought him a catcher's glove a few years ago, and I think that was around $150 used. We bought him new adult-sized catcher's gear for Christmas, and it was about $280 on a good sale. Then we spent probably $1500-$2000 for lodging, depending on the season, plus $$ for gas and eating out. Plus we've been doing hitting and catching lessons this year, for $55/half-hour session. So maybe all-in around $5000-6000 each year?
DD: DD used to take dance lessons and it was around $100-$125/month. She also used to do volleyball, and it was around $350 a session for a non-travel league.
ETA- I think the whole club sports thing is such BS and I hate that we had to partake. It is what it is; no regrets but I won't miss it!
We are in an area where club hockey is becoming totally watered down. There are so many teams that it's no longer the strongest players, it's pretty much your check clears you make a team even if the team is not club level.
Post by Leeham Rimes on Apr 18, 2024 11:44:18 GMT -5
In central Florida about $350/mo per kid for soccer. This includes tournament fees. Technically we’re on travel teams but we don’t travel as much as the elite team which travels over the south east so you’d have to add travel and hotel costs, which we cannot afford. There are yearly registration fees which are around $500 for both kids.
Rec soccer is $150/month for 10 months.
ETA: oh and the only reason we’re in a club team is bc x aged out of rec and Wes is close to aging out. Once they’re out of 4/5th grade, your choices are club or stay home. Boo.
Last Edit: Apr 18, 2024 12:11:17 GMT -5 by Leeham Rimes
I need ham like water Like breath, like rain I need ham like mercy From Heaven's gate Sometimes ham salad or casserole or ham that’s free range, all natural I need ham
ETA- I think the whole club sports thing is such BS and I hate that we had to partake. It is what it is; no regrets but I won't miss it!
We are in an area where club hockey is becoming totally watered down. There are so many teams that it's no longer the strongest players, it's pretty much your check clears you make a team even if the team is not club level.
For sure! Anyone that wants to play club vb can make a team. Maybe not a top national team (but honestly, if you look around, there is a national team that will take your check!) Such a racket.
DS did 2 years of club soccer. He dropped out 2 months before his last season ended but we didn't get any of our money back. Annually it was $3,600 for 9 months, roughly $300-400 for uniforms. He did the summer season once, and that was about $600 for roughly 8 weeks. These costs included 2-3 practices per week on a fresh field or indoor turf, and 1-2 games per week. It also included all tournament fees. Did not include hotels for out of state tournaments. I'm really happy we're done with travel. We're all thankful that he's playing closer to home and not waking up as early for games, or getting home as late from practices.
He's since transitioned solely to rec soccer from Sept-June, as he much prefers that. All fees run about $1,000 for the year, with uniforms included. I think it's around $250-350 per season, depending on WHICH season. Coaches are volunteers, but refs are paid. This doesn't include cleats, ball upgrades, etc. A real bargain compared to club soccer, and he's enjoying it so much more.
Archery was cheap. I think it was about $200 for a 6 or 8 week term which was 1x per week for about 90 minutes to 2 hours. No uniform, and his bow was a few hundred but will last him about 3-4 yrs based on his height. Arrows were negligible as he didn't break many.
Swimming lessons through the summer ran us about $1k as it was a mix of private and group. Lessons through the school year ran about the same because it was group only, and 1x per week.
The club swim team at the same facility where he was enrolled in club soccer, runs around the same $4k range. Club ice hockey is even more than that, nearing $6k. Initial gear was included in those fees. Their club volleyball runs around $3k, I believe, and from what I've seen the club field hockey teams are a bit less.
I think our city's travel soccer, which is two seasons (fall and spring) runs over $2k. Coaches and refs are paid. There may be more fees on top of that. The lack of an indoor winter season drops the price.
Martial arts came out to about $260-270 per month, regardless of studio. Uniforms were only included at initial sign-up, and tournaments/testing cost more, which shocked me.
Post by purplinsky on Apr 18, 2024 12:03:06 GMT -5
I'm not sure I want to add up what we end up paying for horseback riding, when counting all the costs. Lol! Lessons $50/lesson and she goes 1-2 per week. So just lessons, $200-400 per month. Overall, not great, but we also own our horse, so the cost of the horse, the trailer, the hay, the farrier, the vet bills, etc., it can add up quickly. If we didn't own our horse we would be leasing which is ~$500/month when I looked a couple years ago. Technically, you don't need to own or lease a horse, but an hour or two a week (really only 30-60 minutes after grooming and tacking up) is not a lot of time to practice, learn new things, and improve. Plus, we love our horse...he acts like a big dog most of the time so the cost is worth it, he's honestly just another pet that has higher vet bills. Lol!
I also want to add, because this has been a common conversation in our homeschool circle -
Rec teams really begin to fizzle out in middle school in our county. Being a HCOL area more and more people begin signing their kids up for club sports. It's truly a shame, because I know DS would continue playing rec soccer until high school. It's so low key and enjoyable for him. Rec soccer in our city includes a range of 9-12th grade boys, and is non-existent for girls.
If he's really into soccer come high school, we may enroll him at a local private school that allows homeschoolers to participate in sports teams if they take just ONE class. Our friends are having their daughter take Latin next year so they can play softball. Small private school so everyone makes the team.
ETA- I think the whole club sports thing is such BS and I hate that we had to partake. It is what it is; no regrets but I won't miss it!
We are in an area where club hockey is becoming totally watered down. There are so many teams that it's no longer the strongest players, it's pretty much your check clears you make a team even if the team is not club level.
That’s how it is with soccer here. Everyone is the next Lionel Messi. 🙄 (as long as you can afford it) a lot of my friends seem to fall into the “my child is a precious rising star and will be a millionaire player one day” trap. I certainly hope the best for them but the odds aren’t exactly in their favor.
I need ham like water Like breath, like rain I need ham like mercy From Heaven's gate Sometimes ham salad or casserole or ham that’s free range, all natural I need ham
LCOL here so I'm sure some of these numbers may seem super low to people. So far he's just done rec sports through the community center (soccer, baseball, t-ball), and those have been about $35-40 for a season, with jerseys and socks included.
Little League this year was $50 for registration but then also a $50 buyout if you didn't want to work 2 shifts at the food booth (which I did not, lol). We also had to sell $60 worth of raffle tickets so add $60 there if you didn't feel like doing that.
For soccer we had hand me down shoes and shin guards, so no extra costs there. For basketball, we did buy him shoes which were maybe $40. For baseball, we have had to buy equipment and that's been a little pricier. Thank goodness older DS's cousin handed him down a nice $200ish bat for Little League this year because he needed a new one. We did get him a new glove and a larger bag to carry everything, which was a little expensive.
Swim lesson wise we've done private ones, $75 for a week.
If he's really into soccer come high school, we may enroll him at a local private school that allows homeschoolers to participate in sports teams if they take just ONE class. Our friends are having their daughter take Latin next year so they can play softball. Small private school so everyone makes the team.
Do they not allow you to play at your local high school if you homeschool? Here, if you homeschool or if your private school doesn't have a team, you can play at what would be your designated high school.
but we just added little league and even for 6 year olds, he has 90 minute practices 2x a week, weekly SATURDAY AFTERNOON games, I have to buy a bat, mitt, cleats, multiple pants, socks and a belt. The fee was not a lot, but this just seems too young, lol. I was not prepared!
We're here too! Thankfully got a hand me down bat, and the socks/jersey were included, but we had to get the rest. It was a bit more than I thought we'd be spending.
Underarmour has some pretty cheap little kid baseball pants at Dicks Sporting Goods.
And yes, Saturdays through early June are now ruined I miss tball.
Rec teams really begin to fizzle out in middle school in our county. Being a HCOL area more and more people begin signing their kids up for club sports. It's truly a shame, because I know DS would continue playing rec soccer until high school. It's so low key and enjoyable for him. Rec soccer in our city includes a range of 9-12th grade boys, and is non-existent for girls.
DS1 just started rec soccer (9U) and I'm already feeling this with the team he's on/teams they're playing. He wants to try out for the academy division in the same league, so I said sure... $12 tryouts, why not. (The rec league is like $200 I think?) The confirmation email for registering the academy tryouts had the rundown of the time and financial commitment and wow, it's a doozy. On par with some of the costs mentioned in this thread... but even the time stuff. Like there is an all-caps mandatory team camp one of two weeks in July and we already have a family trip booked that second week so are we just SOL if his team gets assigned that week. Honestly no clue. I'm not sure if we're going to do it now that I see all that it involves.
I'm looking forward for him to be able to play with his school team in 5th or 6th grade (depends on the sport)... also small private school so all kids make the team situation.
DS2 is in karate and I think that's 170/mo. But if he sticks with it, I know it'll start costing an arm and a leg with all the gear you have to buy.
Do they not allow you to play at your local high school if you homeschool? Here, if you homeschool or if your private school doesn't have a team, you can play at what would be your designated high school.
Unfortunately this is not a law in our state. My sister, on the other hand, lives in Maine and homeschools. Her boys have been allowed to join the football team at their local public high school.
Both kids are now in club soccer. DD's club is $450 per season (3 seasons) plus uniform cost. This includes tournaments. So a little over $100 per month.
DS's club is $600 per season plus uniform cost. Tournaments are extra. Between $150-$200 per month.
DS does horseback riding in the summer which is $240 a month.
We no longer pay for childcare except for a few specialty camps so this is still much cheaper than when we paid for childcare.
Post by plutosmoon on Apr 18, 2024 13:19:29 GMT -5
DD does competition dance. Her regular dance class tuition is about $4500/year, this is 7 classes a week, September through May, plus a summer session. Team fees we fundraise for, but the fees would be around $1500 without fundraising. Costumes, recital, shoes and attire probably run another $800. Travel costs for the competitions (hotel, food, merchandise) are probably in the $2000 range. Our competitions are all within a 2 hour drive.
All in, it's around $8-9000 a year. It's probably more than I should spend, but DD loves team and it makes her so very happy to dance.
Post by AdaraMarie on Apr 18, 2024 13:39:10 GMT -5
We are lucky I guess because the rec programs my kids are in go up to 15u for soccer and 18u for swimming. There aren't many rec swim teams around though so it has gotten harder for them to have meets.
What I expect for DD2, age 11 in 2024: Spring rec swim team: $170 Summer rec swim team: $152 Fall Middle School track: $60 Scouts BSA is probably going to take all my money for her.
For DD1 in 2023, age 12/13: Winter Swim conditioning (2 months we couldn't find a team): $88 Spring rec soccer: $145 Spring Swim conditioning (1 month): $58 Summer rec swim team: $152 Fall rec soccer: $153 Fall Middle school track: $60
Currently DD1 is playing spring rec soccer, is signed up for the summer swim team, and wants to play rec soccer in the fall. I know our costs are going to shoot up for her because she is starting high school sports and I don't know what that will cost but I know it is a lot more than middle school and she'll need equipment. She plans to do field hockey, swimming, soccer, and maybe track in high school. At the welcome night for freshman we found out that all of these teams are no cuts and they told her she could do soccer and track during the same season which I think is crazy but we'll see what she thinks when the time comes.
DS did 2 years of club soccer. He dropped out 2 months before his last season ended but we didn't get any of our money back. Annually it was $3,600 for 9 months, roughly $300-400 for uniforms.
What are these uniforms made of?! This whole thread is blowing my mind - the idea of having to pay for school sports teams, the sheer cost of it all - but I think this is the piece of information that has officially killed me.
my kid is in first grade and just today I got slapped with the reality of youth sports.
He does soccer through the rec which is like $30 for the fall. 1x week practice. no equipment required, really laid back. Ski team in winter which we luck out with due to H's job, so that is free. 4 hours a week. equipment is also free. track team through school, free, twice weekly practices right after school. sneakers once a year is the only equipment.
but we just added little league and even for 6 year olds, he has 90 minute practices 2x a week, weekly SATURDAY AFTERNOON games, I have to buy a bat, mitt, cleats, multiple pants, socks and a belt. The fee was not a lot, but this just seems too young, lol. I was not prepared!
Go read my post for a cautionary tale! Baseball is EXPENSIVE.