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The World Cup reminds viewers that becoming a professional athlete requires years of practice.
But unlike parts of Europe and Latin America, youth sports programs in the U.S. are an expensive proposition, even for parents whose kids harbor no illusions about going pro. And it’s getting worse: According to the Aspen Institute’s Project Play, the cost of getting kids involved in organized sports rose by almost 50% between 2019 and 2024.
Peg Eynon was a multisport athlete when she was younger, playing softball, basketball, rugby, and soccer. Today, she’s a single mother raising three high-school-aged sons who play at a nonprofit soccer academy in New York state. Eynon said it’s important for her kids to play sports not because of professional dreams or name, image, and likeness deals, but because of the values it imparts to them.
“One thing I wanted for my kids was consistency, and then I wanted to make sure that they were going to have excellent role models,” she explained. “I've seen my kids turn into great students, great friends, [and] leaders on their team.”
Cost is still a factor. Tournament fees and uniforms can be $70 and $500, respectively. One of her sons plays goalie, and the special gloves he has to wear cost up to $120 a pair and must be replaced every three to four months.
Travel is another cost. For Eynon, that might mean a drive to Virginia or a flight to Missouri. The biggest trip she’s had to plan for was Portugal, though she herself did not go.
Eynon told us some generous relatives help her afford all this, but she also shares expenses with other parents when possible. Then there’s fundraising, like selling candy bars outside of grocery stores. And while Eynon said the intrinsic benefits of sports are worth it, the expense weighs on her mind.
“It's always been a struggle for me. When I look back, they might be all out of my home, they might all be in college, and I might be working seven days a week to pay off my debts,” she said. “So that's kind of scary.” | 
