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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:

Mumofoneandone · 27/04/2023 10:53

Growing up, my brother and I were told things couldn't happen because of the cost. It was just life and we accepted it - it is hard but it teaches children the value of money. You are having to make a tough call but stick to your guns. Maybe try and find a more affordable alternative activity.
Good luck 🍀

carly2803 · 27/04/2023 11:09

the "joining fee" on rugby and footbalel for kids is 30/35 quid plus the block upfront
its mad money when you can buy the uniform 2nd hand!

ask the coach, i got some free footie sessions as i bawked at the price!

Monkeybutt1 · 27/04/2023 11:49

How old is your little one? Is there not a grass roots team he can join, as this is very expensive.
We pay £145 a year for my son to play footy and this includes a kit. We get a sponsor to pay for the kit, if there isn't one then the parents would then have to either fund raise or buy a kit but this rarely happens.
Even then the kit cost is about £40 per child and this includes socks and printing on the tops.

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ArcticSkewer · 27/04/2023 11:58

You can't afford the type of club you are trying to join.

This one sounds like a business rather than a grassroots club. Possibly it markets itself/focusses on getting kids into academies and playing at a high level? Or it simply is for richer families. Either way, it's someone's living and they pay their bills from it, presumably, rather than a nice little hobby

There are millions of footie clubs around that are cheap as chips to join, some where kit is also provided free. They aren't someone's livelihood so they don't need to charge for the extras. Those are the ones you need to look for

You could also volunteer at one - even in the cafe at weekends - to access freebies that might be going eg our local club had a 'first come first served' second hand boots and kit cupboard. The boots cost a bomb and are often barely worn.

PassTheGinHere · 27/04/2023 13:21

Unfortunately, that's the problem with the 'business models' in football, rather than a grass roots club run largely by volunteers.
It's their job, their wages, so more expensive.
We took ours out of that model and found a grass roots club where the volunteer coaches are so much more invested in the club, and the well-being of the children, rather than a money making machine.
Fair do's to the business, it's making a killing. But the atmosphere and ethos just wasn't for us.
Business charges similar to you £35 per month match days a volunteer parent is coach, if they want a coach for march days too, it increases to £45 per month Plus pay for kit on top.

Grass roots is £25 per month. Kits included.
Also a great team spirit within the team. (Business team kept getting swapped to make way for new players, no team spirit was built).
I'd suggest you look for a grassroots club near you.

ClubMom · 27/04/2023 13:31

OP I'm with you. My DS plays for a team, it's £20 pm and that includes training, matches, kit and even occasional events and parties (they took them all bowling at Christmas!) What you have been quoted is excessive and I avoid such things like the plague! We have 3 DC, all with different interests, and my DH works evenings and weekends- so we naturally do alot of research into time/ cost before we commit to anything. Previously, when something has become more expensive or time consuming than we first realised (dance is a killer for that!) I have subtely steered them towards a different club or hobby instead ... there will be other options out there! (That said, I also think it doesn't hurt for kids to realise these things aren't free and money doesn't grow on trees! Yes, we do often make decisions based on money / resources... its part of being a responsible human being. Afraid I'm way more concerned about raising their character than their activities on that one!)

JenWillsiam · 27/04/2023 18:56

You’ve literally said £35 is expensive where you live so go for a different club?

that is a standard price for kit and super cheap monthly coaching fee. Sports are expensive. All of them come with a cost.

sargeantskone · 27/04/2023 21:40

I’d like to offer to pay some towards your sons kit if you would allow this as I can’t even begin to think about a child missing out on an activity because of parents not being able to afford it, my son plays football, threw times a week along with kickboxing, beavers and multi sports at school, and we’ve not had to pay a penny for his kit, but we’ve done fundraisers as a team to raise money to go towards equipment and things. Please let me know if you would accept my offer xx

sargeantskone · 28/04/2023 05:50

sargeantskone · 27/04/2023 21:40

Apparently my post has been reported so sorry for whatever I have said?!!
anyway, I hope you manage to find a resolve for this and your son gets to enjoy a sport and stay healthy x

Manthide · 28/04/2023 18:40

I think you will have this problem with everything if ds thinks he needs to have the same as everyone else regardless of individual budgets. Of course my dc would like to have all the kit etc but they appreciate we need to eat and pay bills. He should wear his normal kit definitely until he knows if he will like it and I'm sure you will find there is a market in second hand gear.
My 15 year old dd generally gets spikes as a Christmas present ( she has long jump, high jump and running ones) from grandparents and thankfully her feet have stopped growing. She has mentioned she could do with a new club athletic vest ( she's had it about 5 years) and she gets club hoodies etc when I can afford it or she goes half. I buy her ballet pointe shoes but she has to treat them nicely so they last. She'd rather do the sport and wear non club clothes than not. She also plays piano! We are on universal credit.

Casperroonie · 28/04/2023 20:10

Well then you've answered your own question. If you don't want to buy it then don't. It seems unreasonable not to give him the choice to go without kit, you say he won't do it but you haven't asked him. That aside, £60 is 🤑🤑 fair enough, but, if you can't afford that one he'll have to go to another club I guess.

MikeWozniaksMohawk · 28/04/2023 20:20

sounds a lot to me - monthly fees and kit cost! If he wants to play football look for another club locally and see what their fees and extras are.

Blondeshavemorefun · 28/04/2023 20:22

Ask if any second hand /spare kit while make sure he actually enjoys and wants to do it

Is the kit brought from the club. Can you ask to lay in instalments over 2/3 months

£60 seems a lot

roarfeckingroarr · 28/04/2023 20:24

Sounds about right, I think we paid similar for our toddler's Little Kickers kit.

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