Sports becoming more expensive for children and youth
The cost of children’s and youth sports participation has increased by 68 per cent since 2009, according to new research from Halmstad University and Karlstad University, funded by the Swedish Sports Confederation.
In the article Smakar det så kostar det (If It Tastes Good, It Costs), Krister Hertting, Associate Professor of Education at Halmstad University, and Stefan Wagnsson, Associate Professor of Sports Science at Karlstad University, show how the costs of sports participation across twelve sports have increased significantly between 2009 and 2023. In 2023, the average annual cost for a primary sport was SEK 9,400, equivalent to SEK 800 per month. This represents a 68 per cent increase compared to 2009 (excluding the effects of inflation).
The rising costs have made it increasingly difficult for sports clubs to retain children and young people in organised sports. If costs continue to rise, there is a risk that it will become even more difficult, especially for families with limited financial resources, the researchers argue. At the same time, the study shows that while many parents consider the costs high, the majority still believe they receive good value for their money.
“In our study, we examine how much parents pay, their perceptions of these costs, and possible explanations for the rapid increase in expenses. Due to rising costs, children’s sports risk becoming increasingly inaccessible to children from families with poorer financial circumstances”, says Krister Hertting.
Footnote: Primary sport refers to the sport that a child or young person spends the most time on if they participate in multiple sports.
