Debt plan to stay playing

PARENTS are being forced to borrow money so their kids can compete in junior sport on the Gold Coast.

And grassroots clubs say they are struggling to meet expenses as volunteer numbers dip to an all-time low.

A report published by the Western Sydney University has revealed that in NSW registration fees alone sit at an average of $225 per child each season, but expenses for coaching, uniforms and equipment can add another $200. The NSW findings are consistent with local fees, with some Gold Coast parents paying upwards of $300 per season per child, a cost which many say is unsustainable.

Dr Michelle Cull, who was co-author of the study into pricing, found 10 per cent of NSW respondents borrowed money so their children could participate in sports.

More than 30 per cent of the parents involved in the study said their credit card debt was higher because of the fees.

Dr Cull is expanding the study nationally and said she believed the borrowing trend would continue in other states, including on the Gold Coast.

“I think it is something that happens nationally. Actually, I think some states may be worse than in NSW,” Dr Cull said. “Each state has a different government rebate system and grants but the costs remained similar.

“Costs were also dependent on where participants were located. Those in metro areas had burdens when it came to club sport, like parking and tolls.”

The study found swimming to be one of the most expensive club sports.

“Our research also highlighted the importance of volunteerism which can bring the cost down,” said Dr Cull, a senior lecturer in accounting and financial planning. “We found some clubs were forced to pay canteen assistants or coaches, which adds to the fees.”

A Gold Coast Bulletin report on grassroots funding this week said that as well as high fees for families, clubs were suffering from dwindling volunteer numbers.

Gold Coast United Football Club chairman Danny Maher said it was a vicious cycle.

“The issue is people think when they paid their $500 to register their children that it is a substantial amount of money so they don’t feel inclined to volunteer,’’ he said. “This means you then have a small number of volunteers doing the work, which adds to the cost.”