There's no question that participation in youth sports is expensive, but just how much does it really cost?
According to 2025 data from Jumpstart, Canadian families with kids in organized sport spend an average of more than $3,000 a year in total across all children ages 2–17 (and about $2,140 per child enrolled). The median, which is a better gauge of what a typical family actually pays, sits just above $1,200 annually.
The most expensive youth sports in Canada
Here are the most expensive youth sports in Canada, based on average annual spend in CAD.
- Equestrian: $4,961
- Lacrosse: $3,256
- Hockey: $3,253
- Figure Skating: $2,962
- Skiing: $2,393
- Cheerleading: $2,378
- Golf: $1,903
- Tennis: $1,630
- Football: $1,588
- Dance: $1,554
Equestrian and lacrosse are niche sports with fewer participants, so among more mainstream youth sports in Canada, hockey tops the list.
Youth sports more likely to cost over $4,000 annually
Roughly a quarter of equestrian and lacrosse families report spending more than $4,000 annually, which isn't surprising, given how those sports rank overall.
Among hockey families, 24% of families also report spending over $4,000 a year, but most of that group (nearly 4 out of 5) is actually spending at least $5,000. Cheerleading and figure skating follow a similar pattern, with most of their higher-spending families (about 3 in 4) paying north of $5,000 annually as well.
Youth sports with the highest equipment and gear costs
Something to plan for: young athletes will outgrow their gear every year. For these high-cost sports, budget for regular replacements as kids size up.
Based on average annual spend in CAD, the youth sports with the highest average costs for gear are:
- Equestrian: $1,309
- Hockey: $768
- Skiing: $723
- Golf: $691
- Figure Skating: $675
Youth sports with the highest tournament and travel costs
Some sports put a heavy emphasis on travel to competitions and tournaments. Travel can be exciting for kids (new places, new competition, once-in-a-lifetime experiences), but it's expensive, and most parents want to come along. That means budgeting for additional airfare, hotel rooms, and meals.
Based on average annual spend in CAD, the youth sports with the highest average costs for tournaments and travel are:
- Lacrosse: $1,574
- Equestrian: $1,286
- Hockey: $1,143
- Cheerleading: $980
- Downhill Skiing: $769
The least expensive youth sports in Canada
If your family is working with a tighter budget but still wants your kids to experience organized sport, these are the most affordable options in Canada.
Based on average annual spend in CAD, the least expensive youth sports are:
- Bowling: $544
- Climbing: $614
- Swimming: $692
- Floor/Ball Hockey: $730
- Skating: $769
- Track and Field: $882
- Badminton: $898
Indirect costs
It's not just the kids that participate—parents do, too. Driving to practice and attending evening or weekend games and tournaments can cut into work hours, family time, and other priorities.
Most youth sports organizations also expect parents to pitch in with volunteering or fundraising. These commitments are necessary for supporting the team or keeping costs down, but parents end up paying for them in time and energy instead of money.
Tips to manage or lower youth sports costs
The good news is that managing youth sports costs doesn't have to be daunting. A few practical ways to save:
- Buy gently used gear. Secondhand equipment can save families a significant amount of money.
- Apply for grants or sponsorships. Many organizations offer financial assistance for youth sports. It's worth researching what's available locally.
- Minimize travel costs. For many expensive sports, travel makes up a bulk of the cost. School teams, local leagues, and recreational clubs cost far less.
- Try no-sell fundraisers like FlipGive. Families can earn cashback through everyday shopping at brands like Sobeys, Wayfair, Lululemon, Starbucks, and Walmart, with no product sales or event planning required. Top-earning families can raise hundreds of dollars a year, which could go a long way toward supporting or even fully covering the cost of a lower-priced sport. It's free to join—ready to give it a try?
