By Kaia Lee
Growing up, you most likely played some type of sport, whether it was T-ball or Rec soccer; about 58% of children in America participated in organized youth sports. Surprisingly, about 70% of these children quit by age 13, and only 15% end up on elite club or travel teams. While some kids quit because of burnout or pressure, many can’t continue because of the extreme, rising costs.
Over the years, club sports have become more than just a way for children to get exercise and explore their interests; they have become a way for corporations to turn a profit and exclude those from lower-income households. Children from households earning more than $100,000 are twice as likely to play club sports as children from families making less than $50,000; participation is directly tied to a family’s financial resources.
Average sports costs about $1,016 annually, while club and competition team fees often exceed $5,000 to $ 10,000 per year before accounting for travel expenses like hotels and flights. Furthermore, time commitment and travel flexibility favor higher-income families. This has led to the decline of underfunded community leagues while costly clubs have filled the void, transforming youth sports into an economic privilege.
This also affects children as they grow into young adults and begin discussing college and scholarships. Those who require athletic scholarships the most are those who come from lower-income families, yet those in a position to receive these scholarships are children who participate in highly expensive club sports. Top recruiters often scout at major tournaments; if a family can not afford the travel, the athlete remains largely invisible. The outcome results in 65% of NCAA athletes come from households that make more than $100,000 annually, and only 20% of NCAA athletes come from households that make less than 50,000 a year.