As parents, we want to be able to provide our children with everything that will keep them happy and healthy. Activities in sports and the arts are valuable experiences that we can provide to our children, unless we can’t afford to do so. What then? Do are children lose out? A better solution might be to look for ways to save money on children’s sports, so you can provide them to your children without putting your family in danger of economic failure.
This post is part two of a two-article series on the subject. If you missed the first post, you can get it here.
Now, let us talk about some additional opportunities that may just allow your family to afford the sports they want.
Ask about Scholarships
Your child may qualify for a scholarship, even if you have a healthy income level. Scholarships for sports are given out for all kinds of reasons, from financial need to ability or just to meet a quota, so it never hurts to ask if there are any scholarships available and what the qualifications happen to be. That one question may solve your problem then and there. Even a partial scholarship could make a difference for you.
Create a Home-Based Business
See a need, fill a need. If you are clever and resourceful, you may be able to create a home-based business. Some ideas include sewing costumes or uniforms, transporting team members to and from games, events or practice, babysitting kids during lessons for moms and dads who can’t be there, selling homemade meals or providing homemade snacks for busy parents and kids, and more. Find a niche, market yourself and see if you can make enough money to cover the costs of the sport.
Get a Sponsor
Finally if your athlete will be competing at a popular event, you may be able to get a sponsor to help pay for lessons, training, or equipment. In exchange for paying the fees, your sponsor may request that your child places a business logo on a sports bag or uniform. Check with experienced parents or leaders to know exactly what the options and the pros and cons of sponsorship happen to be before you get started.