This awesome tip comes from my reader Dany…
One of the best ways I found to make the sports fees more affordable is to work for the team. I run the concessions/hospitality program for my daughter’s swim club at our pool. This saves me 50% of the cost of her fall fees – about $700! I set up the concession room, making sure we meet all health dept requirements, solicit donations for food for our coaches/officials hospitality, and recruit parents to work shifts in the concession. Since the concession is both a service and a money maker, the club needed to make sure that they were well run. They have been offering the fee break for a number of years; I found out from a parent who did this job previously. I am usually responsible for 5 concession days per season, from 6am to 8pm. Since I recruit help I am able to leave the event when I need to and I can also watch my daughter swim. My daughter loves to swim, and she is great at it. I am so happy that I can help her pursue her passion, and if I did not get the discount on the fees I could not afford for her to do this program. She is happy to help me in the concessions when she is not swimming. If concessions is not for you, ask if the officials get a discount.
If your child participates in a program with an large concession operation, ask if they give a discount to the folks who work there. If your sport team does not have a concession you could offer to start one. We sell candy, soda, water, gatorade and coffee as well as hot foods like hot dogs and nachos and the team makes a ton of money, which keeps the costs lower for everyone. I would think this would also work for drama groups and other nonsports groups as well.
Of course the biggest kid is my husband and his sports cost more than anyone elses. My big kid (hubby) is a golfer. He loves to play and this is a very expensive sport. A friend told me that her husband was putting in a few hours on the weekend working at a local country club and getting free golf in exchange. My husband joined this group of “weekend warriors” who set up the course, filled the water containers, cut the cups and did other maintenance on the weekend and has been playing free golf every since. We estimated the amount saved over the past 7 years is $10,000 or more!!! (counting greens fees, range balls, etc). The best part – he not only plays for free, but gets paid for the work. One year he saved his checks and bought a new refrigerator. He has to get there extra early, which is hard since he works so hard at his other job, but it is so worth it to him.
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I have a friend who did something like this for a very expensive summer camp. She is working the camp..helping with snacks and such and got half of the fee waived.
My daughter is on a travel soccer team and the league we play in requires each team to have a few parents certified as assistant referees to help at the games. I volunteered to get to know the game better and to help the team, but I also get paid $25 for each game that I work. I was able to reduce the cost of soccer fees a good amount by doing that.
I also am a Pampered Chef consultant and offer a very easy fundraiser to sports teams and dance groups. The fundraisers help with their costs (and is incredibly easy and “low-maintenance”, and the income I make helps me with mine. I also offer up part of my commission to the team, which makes it more lucrative for both parties.
If you are in Orange County California look into this one. This is how I get my OC register Sunday paper for just $10.02 per year… fundraising paper sales…
You can sign your team/ group/ club up here:
http://www.ocregister.com/fundraising
Also, always ask if family discounts are available! We used to have 2 in soccer and basketball and swim. Plus scouts so our fees really added up every year. So the teams/organizations that offered family discounts really helped our budget. Now if I could only find a sponsor for my little dirt bike rider! THAT is an EXPENSIVE SPORT!
I am on the Soccer Board. Our association offers one waived fee for coaches and all board members per year. So in essence you are getting half off (pay for one season and get the other free). I have heard that the local Football and Baseball Associations do similar things. If your kids are involved in sports check the Association Bylaws or email your President or Commissioner for more info.
The time that you donate being on the board or coaching ends up being a large commitment, but if you are the ‘volunteering’ type this a a great way to get something too.
Love this idea! My hubby also coaches if he can and they usually waive the fees! :)
Such great information, thank you for sharing! I had NO idea we could work deals on sports, but my daughter is 5 and just getting into activities, so I will definitely keep this in mind! Thank you!
I used to clean the dance studio where I took classes in exchange for my tuition. Saved me $360 for the year!
What a great idea!