Questions Parents Need to Ask: Cost

So one obvious question to ask is: What does joining the program cost?

It's important to get some perspective first: piano or art lessons can cost $20 per hour or more.  I put in 15 to 20 hours per week coaching (that does include the 2000 miles I drove this past season), multiply that by 10 weeks and that's $4000.  My son decided to join a summer travel league and that was $2000 and that didn't include hotel rooms, fees etc.  Get this: they wanted our credit card number so they could charge for other thing!

So when you hear the price is $150, that's a good deal! 

Costs for a soccer program may not be as much as other programs, but do have expenses.  These can include field rental, referee's, uniforms, soccer game balls, nets, training equipment, tournament fees, and t-shirt costs for All Star games.  These add up, so it's more than just a couple of soccer balls and uniforms.  Also, a team may need to hire a coach part time.  Programs try and build up some cash buffer in case a big expense comes along.

Ask if there is a discount for multiple kids.  A program should offer this and they should offer a family plan: first child is $150, second is $120, third is $100 and total cost for a family not to exceed, $300.

Also ask what the refund policy is in case the program isn't working for you. Don't be surprised if they don't do refunds. Volunteer organizations don't have a lot of time, and dealing with refunds creates more work for already over worked people.  Also, it encourages people to commit to the program.  They should have a refund policy if there is an injury early in the season - very early.

Our program has a spring training program that is inexpensive, $40, and that's a great way to try out the program - to see the coach and staff in action.

Ask if there are any fund raising commitments to help cover expenses.  This can include selling popcorn, getting sponsorships, etc. 

There can be other hidden costs. For example, our program requires membership on a local home school organization that costs about $50.

Bottom line: the stated cost may not be the only cost.  So ask what the range of costs may be.