5 Tips to Make Your Kids' Youth Sports More Affordable

It may cost you hundreds annually so that your 9-year old can play baseball. An editorial in The Acorn claimed that the price of youth sports is climbing at a shocking rate. It claimed that a softball season can run $150, and a youth football season carries a price tag of around $400 yearly. Add in a few extra sports or a couple more kids and the annual rate for some organized extracurricular youth activity skyrockets. If you want your kids to be active, but intend to avoid the exorbitant costs of youth sports, here are some tips on how to save money this season.

Avoid unnecessary equipment purchases
Your child doesn't need the latest pair of Nike Mercurials in order to score a goal in the next game. US News and World Report recommends purchasing only what is needed for your kid to play, and avoiding the rest. You may even want to try out a garage sale. There you can negotiate for cheap sporting goods long-ago left behind by former youth athletes.

Try volunteering
Volunteering is a great way to save money on youth sports while bonding with your children and their friends. It would be beneficial check with the head coach or your local parks department and find out if there are discounted fees for parents who volunteer. This doesn't mean you must coach, and the roles required to reduce the cost of playing may vary.

Pack cheap and healthy snacks for your child
It can be assumed that most of us remember the soccer parent who brought orange slices to every game. Bringing fresh fruit, and home filtered water instead of juice, to each game and practice will help save money in the long run. The extra couple dollars saved per team event will add up over the course of the season.

Don't let your children over commit
Some kids may want to play more than one sport, and while increased activity is good, don't let your child spread him or herself to thin, according to US News and World Report. Not only can it be unhealthy, it can be costly. Keep your kid's participation down to one or two activities in order to make sure you aren't pouring half your bank account into local youth leagues.

Try carpooling
Carpooling is a great way to cut down on costs and reduce your carbon footprint. A carpool system won't only save you money, it will save the other parents money and time as well, making you seem all the better to them.