Across Australia, kids’ sport costs have climbed, with Ausplay reporting average annual participation fees for children aged 0–14 rising from $447 in 2015-16 to more than $1000 per child per per year.

According to Ausport data, the average amount paid per child to take part in organised sports like football, netball, basketball, and soccer in 2023-24 was $1065. That figure excluded the cost of equipment, uniforms, travel and tournament costs. Some sports are cheaper than others. In football, the average annual cost for a player rose from $334 in 2016 to $513 in 2024. 

While Ausplay has flagged that a change in research methods in July 2023 meant a new baseline had been established and comparisons with earlier data could not be made, the average spend per child recorded for 2022-23, prior to the changeover, was $1369.

Clubs are feeling this pressure. Costs for qualified coaches, court and ground hire, insurance, umpiring fees and equipment have all climbed. The Australian Sports Foundation estimated the average club was paying $20,000 more in annual running costs compared to before the pandemic. 

The ASF’s Clubs Under Pressure report found 68 per cent of community sporting clubs have faced higher running costs since 2021, with nearly one in five clubs at risk of shutting down. Over half of the clubs reported that cost of living increases were creating barriers to member registrations. 

While the mounting financial pressure is felt across all codes, from grassroots football to long-established sports like netball, overall participation across many sports continues to grow.

Netball, one of Australia’s most popular sports, recorded more than one million participants between 2022 and 2023, despite families paying more than ever to keep children involved, with older players costing on average $1065 a year once uniforms and equipment are included.

In Western Australia, the state government’s KidSport Program offers financial assistance of up to $300 per financial year to eligible children aged 5–18 to cover club registration fees, uniforms and equipment. 

Perth parent Katrina Williams said she spent around $600 on her daughter’s basketball annually, over double the $250 median cost of basketball in 2018 according to Ausplay.

Another Perth mother, who did not want her name published, said she spent $8000 annually on two of her children’s sports with tennis, swimming and soccer at junior level. She said she was almost scared to add it up, and the figures kept going up with age.  

“I want my kids to grow up knowing that they can get a dopamine hit by moving … learning teamwork,” she said. She added it was frustrating that rising costs made it harder for some families to give their children the same opportunities.

For clubs, the focus remains on ensuring children stay connected to sport. “We see the benefits of Auskick every week,” said Perth Auskick game development officer Makayla Pugelise-Thompson: “It’s not just kicking a footy, it’s kids building confidence, teamwork and friendships.” 

But she acknowledged that families are finding it tough. Some parents have mentioned struggles. “Even if they turn up in runners, we ensure they feel supported … parents pay good money, so we make sure kids get the most out of it.”