Sport should be a necessary part of every childhood, helping kids to grow into healthy and active teens and adults. Unfortunately, there often seems to be a major barrier to sport participation – the cost.
The overall average cost for a child to participate in most organized sports annually is usually under $1000. However, a parent can spend between $5,000 up to $10,000 for their children to compete in individual or team competitive sports. That cost includes registration fees, equipment, and travelling costs. This can be overwhelming for many parents who just want to support their children and help them to reach their goals and achieve their dreams.
Unfortunately, not all costs can be avoided, but here are four tips to ease some of the financial burden:
- Re-cycle Equipment: Equipment fees are one of the largest expenses in organized sport. If you have a young child, try to purchase used equipment and sell your old equipment at the end of the season. This is a great way to help others as well.
- Take one season off: This allows your child to have some time off, physically and mentally, to rest their body. It also limits the amount of spending on sport.
- Cut unnecessary expenses: Cut trips to fast-food restaurants, share transportation/travelling costs with other parents, bring your own water bottle to practice – all of these tips can save a few dollars.
Financial assistance for program costs: There are several programs that you can apply to receive funding to either offset or completely cover sport program costs. Funding support programs include:
- Everyone Plays Recreation Guide: http://prontario.org/index.php/ci_id/3722.htm
- Ministry of Children and Youth Services: http://www.children.gov.on.ca/htdocs/English/financialhelp/index.aspx
- Ottawa KidSport: http://www.kidsportcanada.ca/ontario/ottawa/
- Jumpstart: http://jumpstart.canadiantire.ca/en.html
- City of Ottawa: https://ottawa.ca/en/residents/recreation-and-parks/recreation-programs#financial-support-ottawa-hand-hand