One of the many reasons soccer is the most popular sport globally comes down to how easy it is to get started with the game. It’s true that the only thing needed is a ball and some space, and budding soccer players can really get into the game as much as they want.
While that might be the most simplistic form of the game, what are some of the other costs of playing soccer? It’s important to understand the more serious someone takes the game, the more expensive it gets. Only the very basics are needed, but so much goes into developing into a quality soccer player.
Below is everything you need to know about the costs of playing soccer.
Equipment
- Soccer Ball: $10-200
- Soccer Cleats: $40-200
- Shin Guards: $10-75
Soccer equipment ultimately depends on what level a player is at. Those who are just playing and having a good time will only need a ball to enjoy themselves. Someone on a team needs to purchase a uniform, cleats, shin guards, and more to feel comfortable on the pitch.
Soccer Balls
A soccer ball ranges in price anywhere from about $10 or less, all the way up to $200 or more. Premium soccer balls are designed to be more consistent, and they will likely last quite a bit longer as well.
The material makes the balls different, and playing with what the pros play can make a difference in how anyone kicks the ball. I listed my up-to-date soccer ball recommendations in this post.
For cheap options, the ball can easily start to become deformed after a little bit of time. They might even develop a puncture of some sort, compromising the ball and making people frustrated. Most players start to collect at least a few soccer balls for different training purposes. I listed the best cheap soccer balls in this post.
Soccer Cleats, Shin Guards & More
Cleats, uniforms, and more are usually covered by players at low levels, but provided for free at more advanced levels of play. All the gear can end up costing at least $100, with cleats alone going north of $200 for the best.
Cleats are the most expensive equipment for soccer players. While there are many cheaper options for under $50, most advanced players usually pay $100-200 for their soccer cleats. I listed my current soccer cleats recommendations in this post.
Shin guards are another necessity for all soccer players. You can find the cheapest shin guards for about $10, and the more advanced options from $40 up to $75. Here’s my up-to-date shin guard recommendations.
In the beginning, you don’t necessarily need the most expensive equipments. However, once you develop into a more competitive player, it’s time to invest in the more advanced options.
Total Equipment Costs: With the calculation above, all the necessary equipments will cost between $60 to $475.
Personal Training/Camps
- Personal Training: $35-$100/Hour
- Camps: $50-150$/day
There are many different ways players can get training if they are trying to get better at soccer. Working with an individual trainer can help with some of the finer details.
They will be able to work on skills and allow players to flourish at a younger age. It also comes at a price, since individual training costs more than team practice. Most people who have a personal trainer with soccer will be paying out of pocket.
The cost for this type of training can be over $100 per hour in some cases. It mostly depends on what type of coach parents secure for their child, and everything else that is included.
Camps last at least a few days, but can last for a few weeks. These camps sometimes take local kids only, while others offer room and board during the time players are there. These camps definitely get up there in price, but are virtually a required investment for players looking to get the right training, play in front of scouts, and more.
Pitch Fees
Some people are lucky enough to live in areas where there are free public parks to use as a pitch to practice on. Players can work on individual skills, or they can organize a scrimmage to play with others. In areas where land is a little bit more scarce, there is such a thing as pitch fees that people need to pay for.
Teams will usually cover the bill for pitch fees, but smaller groups and individuals are on their own. It might not seem like a lot of money, but it does start to add up if a player is trying to train every single day.
Club Play
- Average Club Fee: $1500-$5000/Year
A lot of money goes into playing for a club team as a soccer player. Players should be striving to get some or all of it covered based on their play, but not everyone is lucky enough to have that happen. To get on a team initially, a player usually needs to cover the cost to try out.
The reason why club teams cost so much is that there are many different fees to go into playing a season. Club fees will cover the cost of referees, pitch fees, coaching compensation, and so much more.
It helps that all the costs are divided in so many ways, but still frustrating for the average person who has never had to make these payments before.
Travel
Travel costs are definitely high for soccer players taking the game seriously. It starts with just commutes to practice and games, as some players live a pretty good distance away from where their club plays.
From there, the real expensive part is traveling to different games for the season. Some leagues are very local, while others can be hundreds if not thousands of miles away.
Some of the elite teams require traveling by bus or airplane to get there. It becomes very costly, and since younger players usually want family around, it’s not just a trip for one.
Travel takes a lot of toll on younger players, but it’s worth it to constantly be challenged by the greatest players out there. With professional aspirations, travel becomes a necessity to get the proper amount of competition.
Casual Player Costs
Soccer as a casual and learning level can be very inexpensive to take part in. All that a person needs to do is purchase a ball and find some area to keep it around. Training can be done with just one other person, or even a wall to bounce the ball back against.
Recreation soccer matches are also free to put together, as long as an open space is reserved. For a free option, going to a local park with some space can be the best way to go. For a nominal fee, people can rent out fields owned by their local city, or even private options.
Some fields come with a goal, but others don’t have anything down on the ground to keep the ball in. There is nothing against making a makeshift goal if the cost is any type of hindrance.
How To Reduce The Costs of Playing Soccer
Ideally, the best way to drop the cost of soccer across the board is to earn some type of scholarship or financial help. These opportunities are not always easy to find, but it has allowed players from all different backgrounds to get to where they want to be in the soccer world.
Some of the best players in the world only reached those highs because they had a club team step in and help families out. Lionel Messi is just one example. He showed enough promise early on for FC Barcelona to move him from Argentina to Spain, and even cover the cost of a medical procedure to help him with growing issues. That investment ended up paying off hugely for Barcelona, and the rest is history.
Players not quite as talented as future pros can still save some money and costs as well. Look for deals on equipment, find ride-sharing opportunities for travel, and join a league that has reasonable expectations.
Here are my soccer cleats and soccer ball recommendations for players on a budget:
Everyone strives to be the best of the best, but those wanting to play casually are likely just going to accept the fact that they don’t need to go up against the highest caliber players.
Is Soccer Worth The Cost?
All sports are becoming more specialized and ever before. Players are trying to get to the highest level one way or another, and the best way to do that is to do all the training, play hundreds if not thousands of matches, and stay disciplined with the regimen.
Soccer is worth the cost because it’s still more affordable than many other sports out there at the end of the day. With the opportunity to make a very good living playing sports, this appeals to talented players. Even those who only have college soccer aspirations can still find their scholarship money worth the investment.
