A survey conducted by the Sports & Fitness Industry Association (SFIA) of U.S. adults with kids who play team sports found that nearly all respondents (94 percent) agreed that sports teach valuable life lessons. However, rising costs for travel, registrations and equipment create barriers to entry for many families on fixed incomes.

Of the 505 parents surveyed, in collaboration with GSIQ, 38 percent cited price/value for money as the primary reason they choose one team sports equipment brand for the child over another, followed by product quality, 30 percent; reputation or trust in the brand, 20 percent; availability/convenience, 4 percent; and brand image or loyalty, 3 percent.

When respondents could select more than one answer, product quality, durability and convenience — such as availability or ease of purchase — ranked among the most important reasons to purchase team equipment. Endorsements and sponsorships were one category that carried minor weight.

When parents were asked about perceptions and beliefs regarding team sports, 94 percent said they were “extremely beneficial for my child and teach valuable life lessons.”

Most parents who participated in the survey (85 percent) are “highly involved” in their child’s sports and activities, linked to their own sports interests. Of the respondents, 71 percent indicated they play sports, with 48 percent regularly exercising, 43 percent volunteering or coaching sports and 20 percent regularly playing a sport.

SFIA said the findings once again underscore that parents past experiences as sports participants play a significant role in shaping their approach to supporting their kids’ sports endeavors. SFIA wrote in the study, “Parents who played sports as children often become key decision-makers for their families. Their personal history with sports fosters loyalty to certain brands, leagues and equipment types, creating a strong influence on household spending and engagement patterns.”

However, rising costs, limited local teams, and a lack of facilities were identified as barriers to growth. The report found that annual spending per child varies. The reported median exceeds $2,400, primarily due to registration fees, travel, and equipment costs. For families with more than one child who play sports, costs mount quickly, underscoring the financial sacrifice parents must make to provide the opportunities for their kid(s);

Lower-income households with more than one child who plays sports are most likely to face affordability challenges, while higher-income parents are more aware of year-over-year cost increases, often reflecting exposure to travel and club programs.

Facility shortages were noted by most respondents whose families live in rural areas and have kids who play soccer and flag football.

Among the parents surveyed, 85 percent agreed that the total cost of participating in youth team sports continues to increase. Sixty-three percent would like to see more affordable options, 62 percent said a local, low-cost and low-commitment recreational team sport option and 59 percent indicated a need for more local team sports facilities. About one-third (32 percent) agreed there is significant unused field space in their communities.

When asked what would make purchasing youth sports equipment easier, parents overwhelmingly pointed to more affordable price options or better value for money (90 percent). Beyond cost, more than half cited easier access to products, whether through better online availability or in-store accessibility. Bundled deals, a convenient delivery option and clearer product comparisons were also noted, but each at lower levels.

Other findings in the SFIA survey:

  • Over half of the female respondents (52 percent) reported being the primary decision-maker for their kids’ extracurricular sports and play activities, compared to just 19 percent of men. In contrast, purchasing sports equipment and apparel was found to be a shared responsibility, with 51 percent of males and 49 percent of females involved.
  • Parents most often replace equipment once or twice a year, with baseball and soccer having the highest replacement rate. Basketball and flag football were the least frequent replacements.
  • When asked about the top purchase venues for sports equipment, 81 percent cited national sporting goods retailers, 69 percent mentioned online retailers, 61 percent selected local sporting goods/specialty stores, and 45 percent chose to purchase directly from a brand.
  • Asked which team sports their children played within the last year, the top answer was soccer, 53 percent; basketball and baseball, tied for 44 percent; football, 27 percent; softball, 19 percent; track & field and volleyball, tied at 17 percent; golf, 13 percent; lacrosse and tennis, tied at 7 percent; hockey, 6 percent; and field hockey, 2 percent.
  • Asked which sports their children played recreationally within the last year, the Top 5 answers were baseball, 61 percent; basketball, 58 percent; soccer, 54 percent; flag football, 39 percent; and volleyball, 33 percent.
  • The Top 5 sports their children played on club/travel teams were soccer (45 percent), baseball (42 percent), basketball (21 percent), flag football (17 percent), and softball (16 percent).

 Image courtesy Scorpions Baseball Club