Kids sports equipment can get expensive fast, even though youth sports themselves are such an amazing experience. They build confidence, encourage teamwork, and keep kids active, but if you’ve ever signed your child up for a sport, you know the costs add up quickly.
This year has been a first for our family in more ways than one. I have a first year cheerleader and a football player who just moved up to his junior high team after playing on the youth league for several years.
Thankfully, our school provides the uniforms for both sports, which saves families a significant amount of money. Even so, we still had expenses before the first practice ever started.
For cheerleading, we needed to purchase shoes and socks. For football, we bought cleats, a girdle, a padded compression shirt, and a chin protector. While some of those items weren’t required, we decided they were worth the extra investment for comfort and protection.
Every school is different. My niece, who cheers in another state, had to raise $1,000 just to cover the cost of her cheer uniform. Hearing stories like hers really puts into perspective how much sports expenses can vary depending on where you live and what your child’s program requires.
No matter what sport your child plays, there are plenty of ways to save money without sacrificing quality. Here are the tips I’ve found to be the most helpful.
1. Find Out Exactly What Kids Sports Equipment Is Required
Before buying anything, ask the coach or athletic department for a list of required equipment.
Many parents purchase items that turn out to be optional or aren’t even allowed.
Knowing exactly what is required can prevent unnecessary spending.
2. Buy Used Whenever It Makes Sense
Kids often outgrow equipment long before it wears out.
Some of the best places to find gently used sports equipment include:
- Facebook Marketplace
- Local parent buy and sell groups
- Garage sales
- Thrift stores
- Play It Again Sports
- Community sports swaps
You can often find quality equipment for a fraction of the retail price.
3. Borrow Kids Sports Equipment Before Buying
If your child is trying a new sport for the first time, ask family, friends, or teammates if they have equipment you can borrow.
This is especially helpful if your child decides the sport isn’t for them after one season.
4. Rent Equipment When Available
Many leagues offer rental equipment for sports like football, hockey, baseball, skiing, and snowboarding.
Renting is often much less expensive than buying equipment your child may only use for one season.
5. Don’t Assume the Most Expensive Gear Is the Best
When kids are just starting out, they usually don’t need professional level equipment.
A good quality mid-range option is often the best value until they become more experienced.
6. Shop the Clearance Rack and Buy in the Off Season
One of the easiest ways to save money is by planning ahead.
Sports equipment is often marked down once the season ends.
If you know your child will be playing again next year, buying during end of season clearance sales can save a significant amount of money.
7. Compare Prices Before You Buy
Don’t assume one store has the best price.
Check several retailers before making a purchase, including online stores and local sporting goods stores.
Many retailers also offer price matching if you ask.
8. Use Cashback Apps and Rewards Programs
Before checking out, see if you can earn cashback or rewards.
Even saving a few dollars on several purchases can make a noticeable difference over the course of a season.
9. Check for Team Discounts
Many schools and youth organizations partner with local sporting goods stores.
Ask your coach if there are coupon codes, discount nights, or special pricing available for team members.
10. Buy Larger Sizes Carefully
Buying one size larger works well for practice clothes, hoodies, and equipment bags that your child can use for multiple seasons.
However, safety equipment such as helmets, pads, and shoes should always fit properly and should never be purchased too large.
11. Take Care of Your Kids Sports Equipment
Proper cleaning and storage can extend the life of sports equipment.
Simple things like airing out pads, cleaning cleats, and storing equipment properly can help it last through multiple seasons or make it easier to resell.
12. Sell Equipment After the Season
Once your child outgrows equipment, don’t let it collect dust in the garage.
Selling gently used equipment on Facebook Marketplace, at garage sales, or through local sports resale stores can help pay for next season’s gear.
13. Buy Multi-Purpose Items
Some items can be used across several sports.
Examples include athletic bags, water bottles, compression clothing, resistance bands, and training equipment.
Buying versatile gear means you’ll spend less over time.
14. Create a Sports Budget
It’s easy to focus only on registration fees, but those are rarely the only expense.
Consider budgeting for:
- Registration fees
- Equipment
- Shoes
- Uniform accessories
- Travel
- Team pictures
- Tournament fees
- Snacks and concession stands
- End of season gifts or banquets
Planning ahead helps avoid surprises throughout the season.
What Kids Sports Equipment Should You Buy Used?
Buying used is a great way to save money, but not everything should be purchased secondhand.
Items that are usually safe to buy used include:
- Baseball gloves
- Baseball bats (if they meet your league’s rules)
- Soccer balls
- Basketballs
- Tennis rackets
- Equipment bags
- Practice jerseys
- Training equipment
Items that are generally better to buy new include:
- Helmets
- Mouthguards
- Athletic cups
- Socks
- Compression garments
- Protective gear with an unknown history
Final Thoughts
Youth sports don’t have to break the family budget.
Every family’s situation is different. Some schools provide uniforms, while others expect families to purchase them or even raise money to cover the cost. Taking a little time to plan ahead, shop around, and buy only what your child truly needs can make a big difference.
For our family, I’m thankful our school provides the uniforms because it allowed us to focus on purchasing the equipment our kids needed to stay comfortable and safe. While the expenses still added up, they were much more manageable than they could have been.
Whether your child is stepping onto the football field, joining the cheer squad, or trying any other sport for the first time, I hope these tips help you save money while making the most of the season.
Sports gear isn’t the only budget buster this time of year. If your family is also getting ready to head back to school, I’ve got a whole post packed with ways to save on supplies, clothes, and everything in between. Check it out if you want to get the best bang for your buck.
What’s your best tip for saving on sports gear? Leave a comment below, and if this helped you, share it with another sports mom who needs it too!
