Kids sport costs families more than $4,500 a year, research finds
Rockhampton parents Aaron and Paula Harmsworth know the cost of keeping three children involved in multiple sports, as research finds families are spending thousands more than just registration fees.
A recent research study has revealed that the average annual cost of a child participating in community sports in Australia is $4,567, significantly higher than previously estimated. The Australian Sports Commission commissioned the study, which was conducted by researchers from Federation University. The report highlights additional expenses not previously considered, such as parental income loss due to sports commitments and travel.
For Rockhampton parents Aaron and Paula Harmsworth, raising three children in multiple sports comes with a growing financial burden. While they acknowledge the high costs, they emphasize the invaluable life skills their children gain through participation. The Harmsworths have been traveling to various cities and regions across Australia for competitions, including Hobart, Darwin, Goulburn, Gold Coast, Mackay, Brisbane, Cairns, Melbourne, Gold Coast, Mackay, Cairns, Hervey Bay, and Darwin.
Lead researcher Rochelle Eime explains that previous studies focused solely on registration fees, while her team took a broader approach to capture the full financial commitment families make to sports. The study surveyed approximately 5,500 sport participants across Australia, revealing that the overall cost for children to play sport is similar in regional and remote areas compared to metropolitan areas.
However, regional children face higher travel and accommodation costs, while metropolitan families pay more for coaching and registration fees.
Entry-level participation is much cheaper, averaging $1,161 a year for children, while the average cost for adults is $1,200. Individual sports tend to be more expensive than team sports. The study's findings underscore the importance of community sport for youth development, social connectedness, and life skills. Experts emphasize that while costs are a concern, the value of participating in sports should not be underestimated, as they provide numerous benefits for children, including building character, keeping them healthy, and fostering a sense of community.
Written by urgent.news from ABC News AU's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
