Rising prices in nearly everything have caused low-income families to be unable to afford many things, one of which is sports equipment. The medical issues related to this problem have been obvious and growing.

The Problem

As inflation surges throughout the U.S. and unemployment rates are still high, it has been shown that families can no longer afford to have their children play sports. The prices of each sport force many families to shy their children away from a possible activity they could love. Families are using run-down equipment for longer and can not buy new items.

Average Cost of Equipment for Each Sport (per year):

Ice Hockey: $389.00

Skiing: $1,174.00

Field Hockey: $521.00

Gymnastics: $111.00

Lacrosse: $280.00

Tennis: $122.00

Golf: $364.00

Swimming: $140.00

Baseball: $121.00

Softball: $159.00

Volleyball: $70.00

Soccer: $125.00

Football: $120.00

Wrestling: $60.00

Basketball: $74.00

Due to the price of the equipment, fewer and fewer children exercise every year. It has been reported that less than one-quarter (24%) of children 6 to 17 years of age participate in 60 minutes of physical activity every day. This statistic gets worse each year, and one cause is expenses. This causes diseases like diabetes and obesity to be more prevalent throughout a child's life.

The Solution

Although many families seem to have given up trying to force their children to exercise, there are still things that can be done. The rising prices of equipment not only make the children feel worse and put the blame on parents for not being able to afford it.

Alternative Stores

Places like Goodwill and organizations like Leveling The Playing Field have an exact solution to this problem. Their organizations aim to allow all children, no matter their income, to play sports. Check their websites to learn more!

Borrowing/Drives

Simply asking others for their slightly used equipment can allow for an easy solution to this problem. As children grow, they often grow out of their equipment quickly. This allows other people to use their equipment and continue exercising!

Alternative Activites

If all else fails, there are plenty of activities that do not require expensive equipment. Sports like track, swimming, rowing, etc., allow for great exercise at low prices!

Conclusion

The growing expenses of sports equipment have caused a big decrease in child activity, and parents have been blamed for being unable to afford their child's sport. There are easy fixes that can be done to help this problem, but please do not give up on exercise because of prices. Activity is significant while growing, and sports are a great way to meet new friends and find something you love!

Works Cited