the Price of Youth Football

This is a semi-select youth sport in our area. You have to try out and then are placed on a team according to your skill level and age. The price includes the actual uniform, but you pay extra for equipment, and most people pay for their own helmet and pads, primarily to keep things clean and sanitary. You will also pay extra for pictures and incidentals. The fee also includes the fees for the officials. This team travels some and has a weekly game. Before the games start they practice daily for a few weeks and then usually a practice plus a game each week. Sometimes there are extra practices for each position as well. They do not provide any transportation, it is all through the parents.

It is a great way to develop young players. You get very good coaching, although they really are volunteer. I think some of their expenses might be paid by the fees. It can be a pretty intense style of coaching and sometimes that is too much for the age level and skill of the players. We have been fortunate to have very good coaches that care more about the kids and the team sportsmanship than many others we play against. This has been a very good way for our boys to learn the game of football and for them to be part of a team.

Since there is no transportation provided, it is important to keep in touch with the coaches who are often able to help bring kids to away games, and to keep a parent network of carpooling options. This has been a big help to our team.