Are you a fan of soccer? Or... as most of the world calls it- football? It is a very popular sport for good reason, and one of the benefits of it is that it can be played without expensive equipment. Read more about how soccer can be a great way to keep kids active without spending a lot of money.
As parents, we all want our kids to be happy and healthy, and sports are a fantastic way to support that goal. However, some sports come with a hefty price tag. There’s equipment to buy, membership fees to pay, coaching costs, and travel expenses.
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.
Organize Neighborhood Games
Since you don’t need much equipment for a soccer game, it’s easy enough to organize informal matches with other kids in the neighborhood. There’s minimal setup involved: all you need for the popular five-a-side footy is a football, something to mark the goal posts, and 10 kids. Ideally, this could turn into a regular event which brings other benefits as well as fitness. It can help teach commitment, strengthen community bonds, and spread the fun this sport brings!
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.
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.