Nine years ago I signed up my oldest son for his first sports team. He was four years old. I had no idea what I was in for. Nine years and three kids later, I now fully embrace my titles: Softball Mom and Baseball Mom. Three of my four kids play ball. We are on four different teams. Yes, you read that correctly. THREE kids and FOUR teams. My youngest is not interested in sports at all, and I’m just fine with that!
Team sports costs can add up fast. However, there are some really great tips I’ve learned over the years that can help cut those costs.
Money Saving Tips for the Sports Mom
- Ask about sibling discounts. Many Little Leagues will cut the costs when families of 3 or more sign up together! Be sure to inquire.
- Buy used equipment. Bats, balls, football pads, tennis rackets, etc., can all be purchased in gently-used condition at a much lower cost than new. Check out stores like Play It Again, Sports!
- Hit the thrift and consignment shops. Baseball pants, cleats, shin guards, socks and practice jerseys can all be purchased at secondhand stores as well.
- Carpool. If you’re on travel teams like us, you may be in for quite a few “away” games. Cut down on gas expenses by carpooling with teammates. Get to know the other families and share rides!
- Do NOT cut corners on protective equipment. Be sure your child has all the safety and protective equipment that is required. This will cut down on injuries, E.R. visits and mommy worries, too! Always keep a first aid kit on hand too for little things.
- Pack plenty of snacks and meals. Concession stands can be pricey. Be sure to bring along your own snacks and drinks from home so you’re not stuck paying too much at the field.
- Invest in a large thermos for your little athlete. Refillable, insulated bottles are much less expensive than bottled water. And, if your child runs out of water, they can refill their thermos at the field!
- Keep an eye out for coupons in the newspaper for local sports stores like Dick’s Sporting Goods and Sports Authority. Did you know that these two sports stores will take the other store’s coupons?
- Start a fundraiser! You can also be creative buy running a football fundraiser event to raise money.
So my fellow Sports Mom, don’t be surprised if your kiddos change sports each year. If you find yourself in this predicament, try swapping equipment and gear with their friends.
I have always supported my kids in their sports adventures. But if you get overwhelmed, try to remember that this investment may lead to scholarships down the road!
It saddens me to hear about the comment regarding bringing your own snacks so you dont have to buy concession food. I am on the board for my sons little league and Im not sure you are aware that the money for concession goes back into the league for various equipment and league fees. However, you will spend $6.00 for starbucks coffee. That money goes back into the CEO’s pocket. Let’s try to support our local league.
You must be joking, you’re comparing the price of a coffee from a national chain (that has rent, pays its employees above-market wages and a premium product) to an overpriced concession that buys its supplies from a local Sam’s Club, uses the concession stand for free and staffs it with volunteers? You seem to know very little about business, the money does not “go back into the CEO’s pocket”, it is typically returned to the shareholders in the form of dividends.
Fundraising is good and all, just don’t expect someone to pay $2 for a single-serving bag of Cheetos or a can of warm Coke when a vending machine will keep it cold and be 1/2 of that price.
Scott, I am speaking on behalf of my sons league. I cannot comment on any other league. I volunteer my time and efforts for my son so he can play ball. Like any other business, little league is a business. As the treasurer of the little league, I have rent to pay to the city, I live in, for use of the fields, $1,200.00 at least, per season, I have utilities to pay to keep the water, drinks and juices cold. There are scholarship that we have to fund so kids who cant afford to play, can play. The volunteers we have are students working toward bright futures so they can have a college scholarship so perhaps one day they can become CEO of starbucks. We do provide the typical ball park food along with healthy alternatives, which are not that pricey. If you are not happy with your leagues handling of the concession, perhaps you should speak up or get on the board and make things right. If we can throw our money at the national chains, all I am saying is throw some money the leagues way, To come out and say not buy food at concessions, again, everyone can speak up and be heard. As far as the CEO of starbucks not making any money, your dead wrong on that.
I understand your point of view Kelly – thanks for sharing. I would definitely encourage people to buy from the concessions if their family can afford it. When the grandparents come and watch – and the aunts & uncles they do purchase from the concession stand if they can afford it. But for our family of 6 that is on a budget, we can’t afford to purchase (for example) 6 bottles of water for $2 each. That’s $12. And in Florida, 1 bottle won’t go very far, so we choose to buy a 24pk on sale for $2.99 or less and throw them in the cooler. 🙂 As far as your Starbucks comment, I do treat myself to a $2.49 Starbucks coffee with cream and sugar once a week, however, I’m very smart about it- I use gift cards that I have earned from surveys online!! I try to save in every area.
Again I understand where you are coming from – I’m definitely not saying not to support little league. Do what your family can afford! I’m simply offering tips on saving money if your family needs to.
Such great tips, I love thrift store shopping and I never leave home without my goodie bag of snacks and goodies.
These are some really great tips. Thanks for sharing. Our season doesn’t start until the end of March so I’ll definitely have time to search for coupons.
Love the tip to buy used. We always do!
Sports do get expensive don’t they? I always like to pack our own snacks because the concession stands don’t have much healthy food in addition to being expensive.
Snacks and meals are really important!
Used equipment and carpools are life savers. I hate when my son gets put on a team with no kids that live near us. Great tips!
I am not a sport mom yet but these tips are great when the time comes. Thanks for sharing!
I have no idea if I’m going to be a sports mom yet, but I’m with you on bringing your own snacks and drinks. The stuff at concession stands is always expensive, and it’s not generally healthy food. I’d rather bring them snacks I feel good about them eating.
These are some great ideas – especially being that we have 6 kids. I especially love the tip – asking for sibling discounts. It’s amazing how much money that one thing will save you. Thanks for sharing.