Well, here in the Bay Area, baseball and soccer are about $250 each per season (equip not included). So just 1 a season (fall/spring) would run you $500 at Litt

Well, here in the Bay Area, baseball and soccer are about $250 each per season (equip not included). So just 1 a season (fall/spring) would run you $500 at Little League and rec (soccer). Now, having coached a number of seasons, and having played sports at a high level in my youth, I can tell you that if your child is playing one season of rec per year, or honestly, not doing competitive sports, there’s no room to stand out at the HS level, and be considered for a college scholarship. Now, I didn’t receive a college scholarship for athletics, but I’m certain being a 4y letterman and 2y captain and nominal valedictorian all played a part in my college acceptance letters, and significant reduction of post-collegiate debt at a tier-1 school. I also had peers who didn’t do club sports in their HS sport until HS (i.e. switching from baseball to swimming) and they were granted scholarships. The big point being: if you think sports are important (totally subjective and personal; I’m not going to argue for or against), you need to pursue club sports and move beyond rec. Another (bonus) point: there’s tons of grift in club sports. I can totally see how someone would end up in debt, especially with multiple kids. And, I deeply sympathize with them, and hope that I’d be savvy enough to not get caught up in the game.