The Olympic Games are over. But for some young people, a dream has just begun. They are the next-gen runners, swimmers, and soccer players. Friends and families are cheering them on. But who’s considering the cost?
Competitive youth sports are rising in popularity. There’s no doubt sports offer physical, mental, and emotional benefits. Studies show that young people who play sports often perform better in school.
But exclusive teams require extra coaching, increased time commitments, and intense competition. Becoming an elite athlete costs time and money. That can strain families—and wallets!
Tim Richmeier spent about $5,000 a season for his son’s hockey team. He used his tax refunds, stopped putting money into his retirement fund, and ran up credit card debt.
Playing hockey was a great experience for Richmeier’s son. But after four years, it was a relief when the teen didn’t make the cut.
“I was kind of dreading the upcoming season, knowing I’d go deeper in the hole,” says Richmeier.
Some families can afford the added expense. They find ways to use downtime while waiting for athletes in practice or at tournaments. But others get second jobs, drain savings, go into debt, or find themselves wasting precious hours. Over half say they worry about sports expenses and saving for the future.
Consider this: Almost eight million U.S. students participate in high school athletics. Less than 1/16 of those will play at the college level at a top school. Fewer than that will earn any significant scholarship money to do so. An even smaller fraction will compete at the Olympic or professional level.
Travis Dorsch, director of a Utah sports lab, warns of burnout and an increased likelihood of injury. He also notes that large investments in sports have another downside: Kids feel more pressure when parents have put in a lot of money for a sport. That pressure results in less enjoyment, which can lower commitment.
Mark Hyman, a sports business teacher, says, “The challenge is to recognize sports . . . are great, but they are great because they give [kids] positive lessons they can carry on through life.”
Luke 14:28 poses this question: “Which of you, desiring to build a tower, does not first sit down and count the cost?” You probably aren’t going to erect a tower. But the principle of estimating the cost to do anything stands. Thinking ahead is always a winning game plan.
