Least Expensive Sports for Kids: Finding a Lower Cost Means of Being an Athlete

As a parent you may want your kids to learn a sport, or be involved in a team activity. You have probably already considered what means you can use to lower the cost of participation. Parents looking for the least expensive kids' sports programs are becoming more common as the economy weakens. With dwindling budgets many schools have passed costs on to parents making sports playing an expensive after school activity. Many parents have been forced to look for the least expensive sports for kids in order to keep their children in a sports program. The least expensive sports programs may not work if your child is at the college recruiting age but may be the perfect solution for parents of younger budding athletes. Here are five of the least expensive ways to keep your kids in sports programs.

Join a Community Sports League to find the Least Expensive Sports Program - Most communities have a local sports league program which is less competition based and more about learning the basic techniques. These programs typically run for shorter periods and compete within the program rather than traveling. Many community sports programs use volunteer coaches and umpires lowering the operating costs. You may find a community sports league at your local YMCA, a Youth league, Boys Clubs/Girls Clubs, or often sponsored by a church association. The fees for playing community sports are generally lower than a sanctioned league program.

Join the Track Team or Cross Country to lower athletic costs. While track teams may have registration fees, the gear cost is almost non existent and most training occurs at the field. Cross Country training can be done anywhere and other than sports attire and good running shoes the cost of participating on track or cross country is minimal. Another sports event falling in the least expensive category is training for and participating in local runs like a 3K or 5K run. Many have categories for minors.

Youth Soccer is one of the least expensive kids' sports. While adult league soccer can be expensive, youth soccer is one of the least expensive kids' sports programs. For youth soccer parents may need to provide the uniform, shin guards, and possibly cleats. If your child is the goalie, gloves may be needed and you will probably want to buy your child a soccer ball for practice.

Sign the kids up for a lower cost football program by playing Flag Football. Flag football is generally a lower cost sport that its expensive counterpart, tackle football. Uniform costs are lower with fewer items required. The team usually provides the flags and possibly the jerseys. Flag football programs are good for younger children and allow for a lower cost way of learning the rules of the sport.

Don't forget Volleyball is one of the least expensive kids' sports programs. Often overlooked as a sport, volleyball is one of the least expensive sports for kids as the items you need to buy are minimal. Uniforms usually consist of a team t-shirt with matching shorts which you may already have on hand. Volleyball players may need knee pads and may prefer a higher quality shoe for court movement. In total though, the cost of playing volleyball is much lower than other sports.

Having your kids in a sports program can be a rewarding endeavor if it does not break you budget wise. Consider these least expensive means of participating in sports to be able to continue to allow your kids the opportunity to grow athletically.