Are We Pricing Out Canada’s Future Sports Stars?
- Lindsay van Kessel
- Nov 21
- 2 min read
Did you know Canadian families spend an average of $1,000 per child every year on youth sports? That makes us one of the highest spenders globally. But here’s the question: Is this investment helping us grow a wider pool of talent—or are we unintentionally closing the door on kids who can’t afford to play?
Take soccer, for example. It’s Canada’s most popular youth sport, with over 1 million young players. Yet, 1 in 3 Canadian children aged 3–17 aren’t involved in any sport at all—often because of cost. That’s a troubling gap.
Why Are Fees So High?
Competitive soccer fees can run into the thousands. Parents often assume that means better coaching and a clearer path to success. But the reality is more complicated. Federal funding for sport has barely changed in 20 years, even though inflation has jumped by more than 50%.
Clubs are left to cover essentials—coaches, facilities, equipment—by leaning heavily on player fees. Families end up shouldering almost everything, including rising travel costs. And when costs climb, participation shrinks—especially outside higher-income areas. That’s not just unfair; it’s a talent bottleneck.
What Can We Do About It?
Instead of asking clubs to “just lower fees,” we need to ask bigger questions:
Are governments investing enough in public facilities so kids can play without breaking the bank?
Could more funding for coach education reduce costs for families while improving quality?
Programs like TELUS SheCanCoach and Soccer in Schools show what’s possible when public support steps in. These initiatives don’t just create better players—they build stronger communities, improve mental health, and teach life skills.
The Bigger Picture
Sports aren’t just about winning games. They’re about social inclusion, community development, and giving every child a chance to thrive. If we want talent—not income—to decide who succeeds, we need to rethink how we fund youth sports.
So here’s the call to action: If you believe every child deserves a fair shot, start the conversation. Talk to your local club. Ask your municipality about facility funding. Share this with other parents. Together, we can push for a system where cost isn’t the barrier—and where Canada’s next great athlete might come from any neighborhood. Share this post. Together, we can make sport accessible for every child.
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