More than the game Highlighting the financial burden of club sports and its inaccessibility for lower-income families. BY HAYLEE HUYNH Co-Feature Editor
Sequoia football game. Photo by Haylee Huynh.
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Blood, sweat, tears and financial turmoil. These words describe not only the hard work and dedication that goes into playing a high-commitment sport outside of school, but also the distress that comes along with finding the funds to pay for them. Club sports offer student athletes the opportunity for additional practice in their sport before attending college. It allows them to stay in shape during off-season, provides a higher level of competition, and is integral in obtaining athletic scholarships for universities. However, these advantages come with a price tag, amounting to an average of $6,000 per year across all sports that families spend to put their children on an independent team, according to TD Ameritrade. “Soccer is typically $2,000 to $3,000 a year plus travel. And travel can be really expensive, right? It really depends on what level you’re playing at and where you’re going,” Athletic Director and Girls Varsity Soccer Coach Melissa Schmidt said. This cost can pose a heavy burden on the families of athletes, forcing them to reduce their overall spending to support their children. “My family is pretty supportive. If I like [soccer], they’re supportive of that. So I know