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Original poster

£60 for kit? Need to check if I'm being unreasonable or unrealistic

139 replies

newjobnewstartihope · 25/04/2023 22:44

So my little one wanted to go to a club that does football training. It's 35 pounds a month which is a bit more than most similar clubs round here but fine . Seems like a good club . However after being asked to sign up and set up a direct debit for that I was then told I needed to order his kit. No problem I thought expecting a top and shorts to cost 20 odd quid. 60 pounds they wanted for a kit for a club which will probably not fit in six months (ds is 7)
Is that a fuckload of money or am I being a stinge? I've sadly had to tell him he can't go as it's too much money and he's upset but even if I had it I think it's a lot ....is it?

OP posts:
Bluevelvetsofa · 26/04/2023 13:26

I think it’s reasonable to look for second hand kit.
I think it’s reasonable for him to go to the club without kit, whilst you save for it. It depends whether he’s really interested in the activity. If he is, that’s what will be important to him and he’ll have to accept that the kit comes a bit later.

OP, you wanted to check whether you were being unreasonable or unrealistic. You’ve had answers that say it’s not too bad and those that says it’s expensive. You’ve had a range of options presented to you, but it doesn’t seem as though that’s enough.

Only you can decide whether you want to follow any of the options suggested. Or did you want everyone to say you’re being entirely reasonable and the cost of the kit is too high?

Original poster
newjobnewstartihope · 26/04/2023 18:54

@Flyingsparks I'm being mean ? By not being able to afford to stump up 60 pounds? Wow

OP posts:
Original poster
newjobnewstartihope · 26/04/2023 18:56

And I've cut back to the bare bones as it is but lovely some clueless people think I'm not bothering to prioritise him 🙄

OP posts:

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Football
ErinAoife · 26/04/2023 19:11

Is there any way to get your hands in a second hand kit?

Setyoufree · 26/04/2023 19:12

Mine don't do football but those that do around here have told me there's a range of clubs, some with volunteer coaches that are cheaper, some with paid staff that obviously comes with higher subs.

I'd be very surprised if the club doesn't do second hand kit. Our rugby club sells all their kit second hand, and used boots for £5 that you swap with others once they're outgrown.

If the club doesn't organise it, maybe the local parents Facebook groups have second hand kit for sale?

Also some kids have generic shorts and socks and just have club shirt which is fine.

If you can afford the subs it seems a huge shame for him to miss out for want of the kit when surely there's other options than buying new?

Original poster
newjobnewstartihope · 26/04/2023 19:24

Will have a look into second hand kit

OP posts:
laurajayneinkent · 26/04/2023 19:31

Yes that'a lot, especially as kids grow so fast!! Ask around the other parents, surely someone will sell 2nd hand kit their child has grown out of?

sgtmajormum · 26/04/2023 19:43

Grassroots football clubs tend to vary in cost. Your one seems on the higher end.
My boys go to a very grassroots club.
The subs are £300 a year including a kit that is only replaced when it wears out/too small or we get a new kit sponsor.
However, pretty much everything is run by volunteers so you do get what you pay for.
I would let him train for a month to see if he enjoys it and is committed to the whole season before then getting the official kit.
I would ask how often the kit is updated (as it could be every year)
Plus you will need boots/shin pads/base layers for the winter months.

TheMummy1417 · 26/04/2023 19:47

You seem offended by some of the replies, but whether o could afford it or not, I would be expecting child to keep up with it for a good one or 2 months minimum, before I even considered paying for kit. I know it sounds mean because they want to be like everyone else, but at that age they flit between so much! If he is stil committed to it after that, I would speak to them about kit that has been outgrown that would fit

YunaBalloon · 26/04/2023 20:08

My child does a sport where the kit is £77.

I told DS that he needed to show commitment to the sport before I'd buy it. I also used that time to scout for 2nd hand kit, and bought it for £42.

So I don't think YABU to be put out at the cost, however I do think you are unreasonable not to make him wait for it and look at 2nd hand.

dootball · 26/04/2023 20:21

If he really wants to do it, then he will do it without kit for a while , or as long as it takes to get it. If he doesn't want to do it without kit, then he doesn't really want to do it.

Also you can't compare the cost of football to things like gymnastics which require an indoor space - if it's on grass then the cost of renting will be far far lower than using an indoor space with lots of equipment.

caringcarer · 26/04/2023 20:24

leeloo1 · 25/04/2023 22:51

Why not ask if any second hand kit is available? Or join the club and tell your son if he enjoys it he can have the kit for his birthday. Also, always buy anything like this a size too big so it’ll last longer.

Exactly what I'd do too. Never buy the size that fits him now. If you buy a size too big it would fit him this year, next year and even some of the following year. Once you have joined and can chat to other parents you can ask about buying a second hand kit for next time.

MaeMair · 26/04/2023 20:25

Some of these football places are making a mint. Ex colleague (nurse) claims they are making 5k a month from running/partnership in one! Obviously yours might not be one of these types of businesses, but don't forget that many are!

KenAdams · 26/04/2023 20:27

newjobnewstartihope · 26/04/2023 19:24

Will have a look into second hand kit

Hallelujah.

Send him whilst you look into kit options. Tell him you're waiting for delivery.

Original poster
newjobnewstartihope · 26/04/2023 20:37

TheMummy1417 · 26/04/2023 19:47

You seem offended by some of the replies, but whether o could afford it or not, I would be expecting child to keep up with it for a good one or 2 months minimum, before I even considered paying for kit. I know it sounds mean because they want to be like everyone else, but at that age they flit between so much! If he is stil committed to it after that, I would speak to them about kit that has been outgrown that would fit

Yes I am offended by being told I'm being mean to my son because sadly I have to prioritise essentials instead of kit

OP posts:
Flyingsparks · 26/04/2023 21:32

newjobnewstartihope · 26/04/2023 18:54

@Flyingsparks I'm being mean ? By not being able to afford to stump up 60 pounds? Wow

Being mean for not taking on board any helpful suggestions until about 2 hours ago when you finally say you’ll consider second hand kit.

didn’t you think about other options before telling your son he wasn’t going? That’s the mean part. Don’t be obtuse - it’s not about being stingy.

Also, don’t plead poverty then say little Johnny can’t possibly join in with anything less than the full kit.

It’s an important life lesson to let kids know that sometimes they have to wait for stuff / save up.

Mediocrates · 26/04/2023 22:25

I wouldn’t be paying £60 for kit at the time of signing up. Maybe it’s because I know my kids too well and they’re inclined to change with the wind and too many times I’ve wasted money on kitting them out for a hobby they haven’t stuck with! I would be waiting until they’re settled and sure they want to stay before buying the kit.

Original poster
newjobnewstartihope · 26/04/2023 23:30

Mediocrates · 26/04/2023 22:25

I wouldn’t be paying £60 for kit at the time of signing up. Maybe it’s because I know my kids too well and they’re inclined to change with the wind and too many times I’ve wasted money on kitting them out for a hobby they haven’t stuck with! I would be waiting until they’re settled and sure they want to stay before buying the kit.

This happened with my older son and a taekwondo costume...

OP posts:
Original poster
newjobnewstartihope · 26/04/2023 23:32

@Flyingsparks but I've also been told I need to be firm with him so if he says I'm not going unless I can have kit then I have to say well sorry love that can't happen

OP posts:
Thinkingpod · 27/04/2023 07:06

Do they not have a 2nd hand kit option? Could you ask.? Or if not join the club get the kit and set up a 2nd hand kit shop/swap it shop and join the committee. Sometimes if parents are helping out subs are reduced anyway.

I do think it's a bit much for a kit but it is what it is

Louiselady500 · 27/04/2023 09:01

If your son was that desperate to go he would go without having a kit. I’m sure many of the other kids didn’t get kit straight away and it sounds like not all of them have it now. He has two choices, go without kit or don’t go. I’d remind him that some children’s parents won’t be able to pay for them to go at all. I know it’s shit but it’s life unfortunately!

MyNDfamily · 27/04/2023 09:33

newjobnewstartihope · 25/04/2023 22:44

So my little one wanted to go to a club that does football training. It's 35 pounds a month which is a bit more than most similar clubs round here but fine . Seems like a good club . However after being asked to sign up and set up a direct debit for that I was then told I needed to order his kit. No problem I thought expecting a top and shorts to cost 20 odd quid. 60 pounds they wanted for a kit for a club which will probably not fit in six months (ds is 7)
Is that a fuckload of money or am I being a stinge? I've sadly had to tell him he can't go as it's too much money and he's upset but even if I had it I think it's a lot ....is it?

I think you are being unreasonable. He can start without the kit and get it later on. If the kit was compulsory I'd understand. He needs to learn that things cost money and ge can't have everything he wants all of the time. You talk about the health benefits of sport and it should be accessible. It is accessible, you don't need certain clothes to take part for health reasons. I'm sure you can save 60.00 over a few months. If he really wants this kit maybe it has to be a birthday present. He is only 7, you'll need to put your foot down now, in a few years time it's going to be trainers and labels. What wil you do then?

somethingischasingme · 27/04/2023 09:50

I coach football for free- the players pay £10 a year subs and the training top costs £10. We provide kit for matches. My son attends a more high flying club that is also free (£10 year subs) and the kit is £40 - socks, shorts and top. None of the football clubs round here cost money to join apart from the one off payment that covers pitch hire and equipment.

Tallulasdancingshoes · 27/04/2023 10:00

The £35 a month sounds about right if it’s training and matches, but £60 kit is excessive. Ds plays football and rugby and the kit is provided for free. We have to look after it and wash it etc, but they provide it. They also provide training tops, and rugby provides a bag too. We only pay for boots, shin pads etc. Over the years the clubs have done various fundraising activities to be able to afford to do this. However, ds also plays cricket and that is expensive. You have to buy kit and equipment which really adds up. His cricket bat alone was over £100 (Christmas present). I don't quite see why a top, shorts and socks is so much.

IbizaToTheNorfolkBroads · 27/04/2023 10:19

DD's club is £120/year including top/shorts/socks. There are separate orders (additional cost) for optional tracksuits, hoodies, hats, training tops etc. I also but DD's docks seperatejy, because she has huge feet and they never have them in in the colour of the girls' strip in her size!