Let's face it, youth soccer can be a financial drain. We know first hand how hard it is to juggle schedules and our wallet. But don't let that deter your little Messi or Marta from kicking a ball! With a little creativity and planning, you can save money without sacrificing quality.
Off-Season Soccer Training Savings
DIY Training: Create a mini-gym at home or in your backyard using budget-friendly equipment such as resistance bands, cones, and a small folding table or bench as a rebounder. Engage in soccer tennis at the tennis courts and take advantage of a nearby track for running.
Soccer Park Meet Ups: Meet up with teammates and friends at a park for pick-up games. Have everyone wear or bring two shirts, in different colors, red and white for instance, for when you divide up into teams.
Free Soccer Trainings and Clinics: While there aren’t many of them, search for some here.
Online Soccer Trainings: Utilize free online resources like YouTube for skill development and technique improvement.
Youth Soccer Savings on Gear and Equipment
Secondhand Soccer Shops: Check out thrift stores, Play It Again Sports, or online marketplaces for gently used soccer gear.
Team Discounts: Inquire about team discounts or group rates when purchasing equipment or uniforms. Oftentimes, Dicks will give clubs/teams coupons.
Neighborhood Pages: Keep an eye on local community social media pages and post what you are looking for, many times people have gently used cleats sitting around and may be willing to pass along for free or low cost.
Recommend checking out this [frugal] Soccer Mom, Player-Approved Soccer Equipment Listing
Youth Soccer Savings for Tournaments
Carpool Caravan: Coordinate with other parents to share transportation costs, reduce wear on your car, and reduce fuel expenses.
Budget-Friendly Accommodations: Consider camping or renting an apartment or house at tournament locations to save on lodging costs.
Hotel Costs: Share a room with another player and split the costs. Some hotel rooms even have 2-bedroom options. Most hotels are selected by the tournament organizers, but sometimes you get room options. Before you check in, check online how much the current room price is, if more than what you paid, share the difference in cost, sometimes they will adjust your price! More youth soccer savings tips during travel tournaments shared in another one of our blogs.
Free Fun: Have time in between games, look for free or low cost things to do. Walking around a local town, seeing the sights, playing card or board games in the lobby, packing sandwiches and picnicking in a park or meeting up at the hotel swimming pool. When we were in Seattle, we found an axe throwing place that provided various free games for those who were waiting their turn. We ended up not even throwing axes so the whole afternoon was free.
Related Blog: Travel Soccer Tournaments: Hotel Hunting 101
Save Money on Food
Bring Snacks: Bring along nutritious snacks (protein bars, pretzels, cheese, fruit, vegetables) and drinks (water, electrolytes) from home to avoid expensive concessions.
Utilize Reusable Water Bottles: Stay hydrated and save money on bottled drinks.
Pack a Cooler: Prepare sandwiches, salads, and other foods in advance to save time and money on eating out. As an idea, you could pick up a rotisserie chicken and bagged salad kits when you get close to your hotel.
Earn Points for Food: Heard of Fetch? Simply take pictures of your receipts and your points add up. While you can use any receipt, you get more points from grocery stores. Takes a bit, but I have earned over $500 in three years.
Summary of Youth Soccer Savings Tips
Let's make the most of the beautiful game! By using these innovative soccer savings tips, you can make your child's soccer experience both fulfilling and cost-effective. Keep in mind, it's about nurturing a lifelong passion for the sport, forming enduring friendships, and seeing your child develop into a confident, well-rounded person.
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Soccer Unleashed is on a mission to ignite the passion and performance of every youth soccer player. Our search engine empowers parents to unlock their athlete's potential by providing full access to top-notch training programs, clubs, leagues, camps, pick-up games, and other critical opportunities. By opening doors to these resources, we help players emerge from the shadows, uncover hidden talents, transform benchwarmers into team leaders, and offer players, clubs, and organizations the opportunity to connect. Regardless of their current level, driven players will have the chance to excel on the field, creating a future where every soccer dream can become a reality.
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