It’s healthy to be passionate about both learning and athletics.
But families can have a difficult time trying to meet the financial challenges
of both. School expenses and saving for college, can be difficult on their own,
but paying for extra-curricular activities and expenses like participating in
athletics can add to the challenge.
As many schools tighten their budgets and add pay-to-play fees,
they are shifting the cost of providing equipment to the families, booster
clubs and the students themselves to raise money. Add to the rising cost of
high-tech safety equipment for various sports and parents are faced with the
question – can we afford to have our children compete?
Here’s what you can do to plan ahead, and to find the proper
balance between athletics and academics:
Know what you’re getting into
Some sports are more expensive than others. Quality hockey and
football equipment, for example, can run into the $1,000-plus range, while
basketball and soccer require less equipment. If a student wishes to take on a
more expensive sport, know the costs involved ahead of time and make sure you
can meet them before proceeding.
Keep things in perspective
While top athletes can earn full scholarships, a solid foundation
of academics is almost always your smartest bet for success in getting into
college. College tuition and other associated costs continue to rise, and it’s
important to plan ahead so that your athletic expenses don’t get out of hand
and end up costing you or your son or daughter a chance to attend the college
that’s right for them. It is a parent’s job to be sure the “student” always
comes first for student athletes and that goes for spending as well.
Consider opening a529 Savings Plan for your student when they are young and “match” the
funds spent on athletics.
Be Resourceful
Student athletes often face peer pressure, to have the best and
coolest equipment, for both aesthetic and performance reasons, but there are
several options to buying “new”.
Craigslist.org features a “sporting goods” section for each city with tons
of experienced or gently used items for sale. Garage sales are also popular. In
addition, resale stores such as Play It Again
Sports in Canton can
provide a source for lower-cost equipment to fill in the gaps.
Ask for Help & Get Involved
School booster clubs are active at many locations, and they do
more than just cheer. Many set money aside to “scholarship” students so
they can attend camps and purchase team apparel. Community Financial was
proud to fund these initiatives though our recent Summer of Sharing Program. Also get involved, work
with your school’s booster clubs and implement your own ideas for fundraisers
in order to defray costs.
With your community’s support, and proper planning, students will
be able to find the proper balance between academics and athletics that will
help them lead a fulfilling life.
Thanks for your grateful informations, this blogs will be really help for Students Scholarships.
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