If you’re a parent, coach, or someone looking to start a youth soccer team, you’ve probably already realized something important: running a youth soccer team isn’t cheap.
What might begin with a love for the game quickly evolves into managing logistics, handling finances, and juggling a long list of responsibilities that most people don’t see behind the scenes.
What does it cost to run a youth soccer team?
Where does all the money go?
And how can you navigate the system without breaking the bank? Let’s break it all down for you.
Understanding the Youth Soccer Landscape
First, you need to know that youth soccer in the United States is massive. Over 3 million youth players participate in organized soccer every year.
From local recreation leagues to elite academy systems, kids of all ages and skill levels are playing the world’s game in every corner of the country.
With that many players, you’d think it would be easy to access affordable soccer opportunities.
However, that’s not always the case. Especially if you’re looking to run a team or your child is aiming to play at a competitive level.
Youth soccer in the U.S. largely runs on a pay-to-play model, meaning families often shoulder the costs rather than clubs being funded by pro teams or government programs, as seen in many other countries.
Why Is Running a Youth Soccer Team So Expensive?
Running a youth soccer team involves way more than just showing up to the field with a ball. If you’re organizing a team, whether it’s for recreation, travel, or competition, here are some of the most common expenses you’ll face:
1. Equipment Costs
You’ll need to provide your players with:
- Soccer balls (multiple per team)
- Cones and training gear
- Bibs/pinnies for practice
- Goals (portable or full-sized)
- Corner flags
- Whistles, first-aid kits, clipboards, etc.
These items alone can cost hundreds, if not thousands, of dollars annually, especially when you consider wear and tear.
2. Uniforms
Your team needs to look the part. A typical kit includes:
- Jerseys (home and away)
- Shorts
- Socks
- Training gear
- Warmups
- Backpacks
Expect to pay anywhere from $100 to $300 per player, depending on the brand and customization. You’ll also need to replace kits every 1–2 years as players grow or sponsors change.
SEE ALSO | How to Start a Successful Soccer Academy
3. Field Rental
Unless you own land (which, let’s face it, most teams don’t), you’ll need to rent field space. That could be:
- School fields
- City parks
- Private facilities with turf or lights
Rates vary by location but can range from $50 to $200+ per hour. Multiply that by two or three practices per week and weekend games, and you’re looking at thousands in rental fees per season.
4. Coaches and Trainers
If you’re paying your coaches (which you should, especially at competitive levels), you’ll need to budget for that.
- Head coaches: $1,000–$5,000+ per season
- Assistant coaches/trainers: $500–$2,000+
- Goalkeeper coaches or fitness specialists: extra
Some clubs rely on volunteers, but higher-tier teams usually bring in licensed coaches for quality training.
5. Referee Fees
Referees don’t work for free. For each match, you might need:
- One center referee and two assistant referees (linesmen)
- Payment ranges: $30–$100 per referee per game depending on age level and league
Multiply that by 10–20 games a season, and it’s easy to see why referee fees can get expensive.
6. League and Tournament Fees
To compete, your team will likely join a league and enter tournaments. Typical costs:
- League registration: $300–$1,000+
- Tournament entry: $300–$1,200+ per tournament
- Expect at least 2–4 tournaments per season
And don’t forget, some tournaments require travel — which brings even more costs.
7. Insurance
To protect players, coaches, and the club, you’ll need liability and medical insurance.
- Team insurance: $200–$1,000+ annually
- Depending on your league, this might be bundled with registration
SEE ALSO | How to Beat a Defender in Soccer – 7 Must-Know Moves
Where Does the Money Come From?
To keep your team running smoothly, you’ll need to cover all those costs — and then some. So how do teams do it?
1. Player Fees
This is the most common funding source. Parents typically pay seasonal fees that cover:
- Equipment
- Uniforms
- Coach salaries
- Field rentals
- League/tournament registration
- Referee fees
Depending on your location and competition level, these fees can range from $500 to over $5,000 per player per year.
2. Sponsorships
Reach out to local businesses or community organizations. They often sponsor youth teams in exchange for:
- Logos on jerseys or banners
- Shoutouts on social media
- Event promotions
A single sponsor might contribute anywhere from $250 to $5,000+, depending on their budget and your reach.
3. Fundraisers
Many teams organize fundraisers such as:
- Car washes
- Bake sales
- Raffles
- “Buy-a-brick” campaigns
- Online crowdfunding
It’s not unusual for a well-run fundraiser to generate $1,000–$10,000, depending on the size of your network and effort level.
4. Hosting Tournaments
If your club is established enough, you can host your tournaments. After expenses, you could earn a decent profit by charging:
- Entry fees to other teams
- Parking fees for spectators
- Vendor booths for merchandise or food
Breaking Down the Budget
Let’s say you’re running a competitive youth soccer team with 18 players. Here’s a sample season budget breakdown:
| Expense | Cost Estimate |
|---|---|
| Field Rental (4 months) | $3,000 |
| Coaching Fees | $4,500 |
| Equipment & Balls | $1,000 |
| Uniforms (full kit) | $3,600 ($200/player) |
| Referees (15 games) | $1,800 |
| League Fees | $800 |
| Tournaments (3 x $800) | $2,400 |
| Insurance | $500 |
| Misc (first aid, admin, etc.) | $400 |
| Total | $18,000+ |
To break even, you’d need to charge each player at least $1,000 per season, and that’s without travel, extra training, or gear upgrades.
The Hidden Costs for Families
Beyond the team’s operating costs, parents also have to consider:
- Travel expenses (gas, flights, tolls)
- Hotel stays for out-of-town games
- Meals on the road
- Extra training sessions or clinics
- Private coaching
- New cleats (sometimes multiple pairs per year)
- Team photos, fan gear, etc.
It’s not uncommon for families to spend $2,000 to $10,000+ per year, depending on how serious the commitment is.
Is Running a Youth Soccer Team Worth It?
This is the million-dollar question (sometimes literally).
If your child loves the game and you’re in a position to invest, joining a club can be incredibly rewarding. It provides:
- High-level coaching
- Competitive matches
- College or professional exposure
- Friendships and life lessons
But it’s also okay if you choose to take a different route.
SEE ALSO | Difference Between a Soccer Coach and a Manager
What If You Can’t Afford It?
Not everyone has thousands of dollars to throw at youth sports. Here are some ways to stay involved without going broke:
1. Join a Local Rec League
These leagues usually cost $50–$200 per season and offer a fun, low-pressure environment for learning and play.
2. Form a Community Team
You can start your team by:
- Gathering local players
- Asking for volunteer coaches
- Securing a school or park field
- Applying to a low-cost league
This is how many successful grassroots clubs get their start.
3. Apply for Scholarships
Many clubs and soccer organizations offer financial aid or full scholarships. Ask around, you might be surprised what’s available.
4. Train at Home
Don’t underestimate the value of backyard or street training. All you need is a ball, a small space, and dedication.
YouTube, free apps, and local mentors can teach kids skills, drills, and fitness programs. Tons of players across the world learned this way — and it costs next to nothing.
Tips for Managing Team Finances
If you’re the one in charge of the team’s budget, keep these in mind:
- Use a spreadsheet to track income/expenses
- Collect fees early to avoid shortfalls
- Be transparent with parents about where the money goes
- Look for bulk discounts on uniforms and gear
- Set up a Venmo/PayPal account for easy payments
- Create a financial cushion for emergencies
You’re not just coaching or organizing — you’re running a small business. Treat it as such.
Final Thoughts
Running a youth soccer team is rewarding but not cheap. The costs can feel overwhelming, especially when you’re trying to do right by the kids and provide a great experience.
