How much does youth soccer really cost in the US?

Club soccer can be a costly endeavor for families in the United States. With the increased attention and interest driven by the recent World Cup there seems to have been an acute rise in criticisms of the current US youth soccer system both by the media and those in the community regarding the cost of club soccer. In short, the claim is that the current cost of club soccer puts the sport out of reach for many families.

The intention of this post is not to debate the merits of the criticism or propose any alternative systems (we'll save that for another day). However, I think it's important that soccer families understand what they are paying for and why those expenses have become necessary in the current United States club soccer model.

What are you paying for?

So... where is all of your money going?

1. Travel expenses: Youth soccer in the United States often involves a significant amount of travel, both within the state and across the country. These travel expenses, including airfare, hotels, and transportation, can add up quickly.
2. Cost of facilities: Soccer clubs in the United States often have to pay for the use of facilities, such as fields and indoor training centers. In most areas of the country, such field space is scarce, which makes real estate expensive for organizations looking to purchase their own facilities and drives up usage fees for those looking to rent.
3. Equipment costs: Soccer requires a significant amount of specialized equipment, such as cleats, shin guards, and balls. Add in your player's game and training kits and you're looking at a multi-hundred dollar bill.
4. Cost of specialized coaching: At the competitive level, most soccer clubs in the United States hire specialized coaches, often with advanced coaching licenses. As many of these are full-time, professional coaches, their fees are set at a rate which allows them to earn a livable wage.

So, now that we understand what drives the cost, why do the costs seems so high for the players and families - especially in comparison to other countries (read: England)?

Well ... at risk of oversimplifying a nuanced topic, I believe there are two primary factors.

Professionalization  of youth soccer

First, in the United States, youth soccer (along with many other youth sports) has become increasingly professionalized, with a hardline focus on elite development and competition. From the perspective of a growing number of current and prospective players and parents - the game no longer exists as a means for children to get some exercise and have fun together, but rather as an avenue to obtain some sort of financial return in the form of a scholarship or professional contract. This change in the culture of the community, has prompted soccer clubs and other organizations involved in the development of youth athletes to spend more to provide "professional" level products and services. Ultimately, the premium that the organizations pay to provide that higher quality experience is passed on to their customers.

Limited funding from national governing bodies and professional organizations‍

Unlike in other countries where youth soccer is more significantly funded by national governing bodies and professional organizations, youth soccer clubs in the United States still rely heavily on fees and sponsorships to fund their operations. In England, for example, The Premier League & The FA Facilities Fund, managed by the Football Foundation, awards grants of between £10,000 and £500,000 to organizations that support the sport. Far fewer opportunities exist for clubs in the US.

It's important to highlight that, through programs like MLSNext and the now defunct Development Academy, efforts have been made by domestic professional organizations to subsidize the cost of youth development. However, again, these programs do not yet exist at the same scale compared to other countries.

Wrapping Up

In conclusion, the cost of youth soccer in the United States is driven by factors such as travel expenses, facility costs, equipment expenses, and specialized coaching fees. These costs have been exacerbated by the professionalization of youth soccer and the limited funding from national governing bodies and professional organizations in the United States compared to other countries. It's important for soccer families to understand what they are paying for and why these expenses are necessary in the current club soccer model. While the costs may seem high, they allow for a higher quality experience and opportunities for player development. Ultimately, it's important for families to consider their own budget and priorities when deciding whether or not to participate in club soccer.