If you’re looking for a cheap way to keep your kids active, a sport like soccer is a great option. Soccer not only keeps kids occupied and improves their fitness, but it also teaches them valuable life lessons like teamwork and discipline. Most importantly, there are plenty of ways to keep it affordable.
Take Advantage of Community Resources
Once your kids have had an intro to soccer, the next step is finding a safe and suitable place for them to practice. Fortunately, many communities have free resources like parks, fields, and recreation centers. You might be able to find some low-cost (or even free) soccer programs by checking local websites or bulletin boards for information.
Buy Second-Hand Gear
One of the main attractions of the beautiful game is its simplicity: you don’t need much equipment outside of a soccer ball. However, it’s a good idea to source some proper boots and shin pads which are essential for in-game protection. If your child is in goal, they’ll need gloves, and if they play in a team, they’ll need a strip. A soccer strip includes a shirt, shorts, and socks.
Fortunately, none of the gear is particularly extravagant. Thrift stores, online marketplaces, and community groups are all great places to find second-hand soccer items. Not only does this save money; it’s an eco-friendly choice too!
Practice at Home
Your kids can easily have a kickaround in the backyard without needing much space. Even an only child can spend hours practicing keepie-uppies in the garden. Common soccer drills require nothing more than a bit of room and some marker cones. For example, footwork and agility training involves dribbling the ball through different cone patterns. If you don’t want to shell out on cones, just use household items for makeshift equipment.
Leverage Technology
These days, you can learn anything online in a tutorial video, and soccer is no different. From learning how to set up drills to trick techniques, now your kids can use screen time to support a healthier habit. With around 3.5 billion fans, soccer is the world’s most popular sport, so there’s no shortage of free content to help your kids develop their skills.
Soccer As a Cheap Kids’ Sport
Soccer is perhaps the most accessible and affordable sport there is, making it an ideal option for frugal mums who want to keep their kids active. By using community spaces, encouraging local games, buying cheap gear, and substituting equipment, you can help your kids stay healthy, no matter your budget.
