Sports Then and Now

As the market for youth sports and recreation climbs into the billions, it can be difficult to gauge where you should invest your money. With that mind, we’ve compiled a short list of some of the cheapest as well as the most expensive youth sports options today.

The Cheapest Youth Sports

Basketball

Played in driveways, backyards, neighborhood parks and even in the streets, basketball is a game that can be enjoyed by nearly anyone and at any place. Many middle and high schools offer youth basketball at little or no cost to the parent, and some communities even organize their own leagues that are separate from school-sponsored sports. All you really need is a ball and a hoop and you’re good to go.

Swimming

Swimming is another youth sport that is easy and cheap to begin. The act of swimming can be practiced in rivers, lakes and even backyard swimming pools, and many students are exposed to swim class either in middle or high school. If not, memberships to community pools are usually quite affordable. It can only start to get expensive at the competitive level, where you’re paying for an abundance of pool time and starting to take long trips for meets. That can be true of any sport though.   Read the rest of this entry →