Navigating Club Soccer: Average Club Fees

One of the most common questions I get from parents at tryout time is "Do you have a list comparing club fees?" The answer is, I do but it is not comprehensive and I don't have explicit permission from clubs to publish that information so I am not comfortable publicly sharing that information. Earlier in the year we asked clubs to provided us with their fee information and we published the information that was shared for the purpose of sharing in this blog post.

Without sharing individual club fees which are hard to compare because of so many factors like winter training, number of tournaments, coaching credentials and leagues - we decided to analyze the data. To aid families in their decision-making, the graphic below, allowing for easy comparison of club fees against regional averages. Armed with this knowledge, parents can navigate the intricate landscape of youth soccer with greater confidence, ensuring an optimal fit for their child's soccer journey and their family's financial considerations.

While acknowledging that cost is just one facet among many considerations, we recognize its significance in shaping families' decisions. Transparency is paramount, with clubs urged to share costs upfront, and parents encouraged to inquire extensively before committing.

Our findings unveiled nuances across various regions. In Southern Ohio, encompassing Dayton and Cincinnati, it's common for clubs to have lower club fees, albeit often supplemented by additional team and training fees. Astonishingly, our study revealed that 71% of Cincinnati clubs and 50% of Dayton clubs charged such supplementary fees, underscoring the need for clarity regarding total financial commitments. Other important additional costs that a parent might consider inquiring about include travel costs and supplemental training.

Conversely, in Cleveland and Columbus, the landscape differs markedly. None of the clubs examined in Cleveland levied additional fees, while only a meager 9% of Columbus clubs did so. This disparity reflects diverse operational models and local market dynamics, highlighting the importance of localized insights in decision-making.

Our investigation unearthed differences in the duration of soccer programming included in club fees. Dayton clubs, on average, provided the fewest months of programming, while Cleveland clubs emerged as frontrunners in this regard. We discerned that access to facilities played a pivotal role, with Northern Ohio clubs benefitting from their own indoor facilities or year-round access arrangements, facilitating comprehensive programming.

Winter training, a cornerstone of skill development, emerged as a prevalent offering across Ohio. A staggering 72% of clubs incorporated winter training into their fees, signaling its ubiquity as a no-cost addition to the annual soccer calendar. This trend underscores the commitment of clubs to holistic player development, transcending seasonal constraints.

While soccer club fees constitute just one aspect of the broader youth soccer experience, their impact on your family's budgets and decision-making cannot be understated. By fostering transparency, understanding regional dynamics, and leveraging available resources, families can embark on their soccer journey with clarity and conviction, nurturing their child's passion for the beautiful game while fostering a sense of financial responsibility and informed decision-making.