Investing in Your Children’s Sports Is Expensive!

When my son Benjamin decided he wanted to start playing soccer, I was so happy! I thought of the exercise, the challenge, the team-building experience.....what I didn't factor in was the cost.

Clinics to work on his skill level, joining leagues, shin guards, special socks, cleets, soccer balls (and that's not even taking into account the driving, gas and time commitment!).....and that's only for one child. I started to calculate just how expensive this would get if my other son decided that he, too, wanted to start playing a sport.

Don't get me wrong, soccer is great fun for both Benjamin and I, and we have both made some awesome friends in the process, but I'm realizing I have gotten off easy! According to a new survey, there are much more expensive sports that my child could have chosen to get involved in.

YahooShine.com has done a survey on the cost of organized sports. Between the gear/uniform/outfits, lessons, and leagues alone, here's a rundown of some of the most expensive sports for kids:

Horseback Riding

Ice Hockey and Figure Skating

Gymnastics

Lacrosse

Golf

Swimming

Sailing

Tell us how you cope with the driving, scheduling of practices and games, and costs for your children! Scroll down to the comments section below.