There's a conversation happening in youth sports right now, and it's long overdue.
It's about money. Specifically, it's about how much we're spending, where it's going, and whether any of it is actually helping our kids love the game more.
Here's the thing: when people hear the word "affordability," they often think it means going cheap. Cutting corners. Settling for less. But that's not what affordability means at all.
Affordability isn't about spending less. It's about spending smarter. It's about putting your money toward the things that actually matter and saying no to the things that don't.
And in youth sports, that distinction can be the difference between a kid who plays for a decade and a kid who burns out by middle school.
The Real Cost of Youth Sports
Let's be honest: youth sports have gotten expensive. Travel teams, private coaching, tournament fees, equipment upgrades, hotel stays, gas money, the list goes on. The average family spends over $800 per child per year on youth sports, and for families with kids on competitive travel teams, that number can climb into the thousands.
Some of that spending is necessary. Some of it is valuable. And some of it? Some of it is just noise.
The problem is that it's hard to tell the difference when you're in the middle of it. When every other family seems to be signing up for the extra camp or the showcase tournament or the new gear, it feels like you're falling behind if you don't do the same.
But here's what the research (and common sense) tells us: more spending does not equal better outcomes. Not for skill development. Not for college recruitment. And definitely not for your kid's long-term relationship with sports.
Cutting Corners vs. Spending With Intention
There's a big difference between cutting corners and being intentional with your money.
Cutting corners looks like skipping the basics to save a buck. Worn-out cleats that cause blisters. Skipping hydration because sports drinks are expensive. Choosing a program solely because it's the cheapest option, even if it's not the right fit.
Intentional spending looks different. It's about asking better questions before you open your wallet:
Does this help my kid enjoy the sport more? If the answer is no, or "maybe, but probably not," that's a sign to pause.
Is this solving a real problem or a perceived one? Sometimes we spend money on things because we think we're supposed to, not because our kid actually needs them.
What's the long-term value here? A $200 piece of equipment that lasts three seasons is a better investment than a $50 version you'll replace twice a year.
Am I spending to keep up, or spending to move forward? There's a difference between investing in your child's development and investing in the appearance of keeping pace with other families.
Where Smart Money Actually Goes
If you want your dollars to do real work, here's where they tend to matter most:
Quality coaching over quantity of programs. One good coach who knows your kid's name and cares about their development is worth more than three expensive clinics with rotating instructors.
The right gear, not the newest gear. Properly fitting equipment that's appropriate for your child's level matters. The latest model with all the bells and whistles? Usually doesn't.
Experiences that build love for the game. A weekend tournament with friends, a pickup game at the park, a family trip to watch a live professional game. These are the things kids remember. These are the things that keep them playing.
Rest and recovery. This one's free, actually. But it's worth mentioning because so many families spend money on more training when what their kid really needs is a break.
The Stuff You Can Probably Skip
Here's where families often overspend without realizing it:
Showcases and exposure events before high school. Coaches aren't recruiting 11-year-olds. Save your money (and your weekends) for when it actually matters.
Private lessons for kids who aren't practicing on their own. If your child isn't putting in work between sessions, more paid instruction isn't the answer.
Gear upgrades driven by trends, not need. If the equipment still fits and still works, it's still good.
Multiple travel teams in the same season. More is not more. It's just more expensive and more exhausting.
Affordability Is a Long Game
Here's the part that doesn't get talked about enough: the families who approach youth sports with intention, rather than anxiety, tend to stay in the game longer.
They're not burned out by sophomore year. They're not drowning in debt from club fees. They're not resentful of the sport that was supposed to bring their family together.
They made choices along the way. They said yes to some things and no to others. They prioritized their kid's enjoyment and development over the pressure to keep up.
That's what affordability really looks like. Not cheap. Not cutting corners. Just clarity about what matters and the discipline to spend accordingly.
The Bottom Line
Youth sports should be accessible. They should be sustainable. And they should be fun, for kids and for the families supporting them.
That doesn't happen by accident. It happens when we stop equating more spending with better parenting and start asking whether our investments are actually serving our kids.
So the next time you're faced with a decision about where to put your money, ask yourself: is this helping my child love the game more? Is this moving us toward something meaningful, or just keeping us busy?
Affordability isn't about doing less. It's about doing what matters.
And what matters is a kid who still wants to play next season.
Ian Goldberg is the CEO of Signature Media and the Editor of the largest and fastest growing sports parenting newsletter. He’s been recognized as an industry expert by the National Alliance for Youth Sports, the US Olympic Committee’s Truesport, and the Aspen Institute's Project Play. Ian is also a suburban NJ sports dad of two teenage daughters and has over 2,000 hours of volunteer time coaching them (which he calls the most fun form of R&D for his newsletter content). Ian and his team provide players, coaches, parents and program directors with the articles and content they need to have a great sports season. Ian has spent most of his career in digital product development and marketing and got his start at the White House where he worked for the economic advisors to two US Presidents.
