Every year, families in Georgia invest substantial amounts of money into youth soccer, covering expenses such as fees, travel, and uniforms. This financial commitment can reach thousands of dollars.
The high costs associated with participation in youth soccer are increasingly excluding low-income families, which raises concerns about accessibility in sports.
Gabriella Etienne, a senior at the University of Georgia, has shared her personal experiences competing in club soccer, highlighting the challenges faced by young athletes in this pay-to-play system.