Money saving tips for parents of football-crazy kids

The UEFA Women’s Euro 2025 is about to kick off. With England looking to defend their 2022 crown and Wales making a historic tournament debut, it’s game on in Switzerland.

If your child is football-obsessed, the chances are you're already familiar with the costs that come with it. Boots, kits, match tickets, club fees and travel - it all adds up.

But you don’t have to blow your budget to keep up with your little Lioness or Three Lions hopeful.

Here's how to do footie on the cheap this summer and beyond.

Buy second-hand gear

Kids grow fast. One minute they’re size 2 and the next, it’s size 4. Instead of forking out on new kits every few months, you can save money by buying used boots, shin pads and kits from the likes of:

• Facebook Marketplace
• Vinted or eBay

Join local swap groups

Local Facebook groups or community centres often host sports gear swaps. Trade last year’s boots for the next size up, for free!

Or team up with other parents at your child’s club to organise a mini swap-meet.

Make use of free football camps

Brands sometimes hook up with football teams and sponsors to offer free football training sessions and camps.

For example, Kellogg’s is offering free football day camps for kids, when you purchase a promotional pack of Kellogg’s cereal (Rice Krispies, Coco Pops or Corn Flakes) at most major supermarkets. 

The camps are taking place at over 150 locations across the UK.

Just buy a promotional pack by Monday 18 August, then scan the on-pack QR code or visit the Kellogg’s website to claim a free football camp by the end of Monday 25 August.

Lift share to training and matches

With the cost of petrol rising, driving kids to matches and training adds up. Car-sharing can help. Arrange with other parents to take turns with lifts. It's cheaper, greener and gives you a break from the constant “are we there yet?”

Opt for generic or club-approved kit

Branded kits can be seriously pricey. Instead, go for:

• plain shorts/socks from supermarket ranges
• club-approved non-branded options

Your youngster probably cares more about playing than the logo on their socks.

DIY goals at home

Instead of splashing out on expensive goalposts, get some DIY ones together:

• use garden chairs or cones as makeshift goals
• make a DIY version with bamboo and netting
• keepy-uppy challenges need zero equipment!

Watch matches at home or at community venues

Watching a match live at the stadium is exciting but it’s also pricey. Luckily, there are plenty of more wallet-friendly ways to enjoy the action:

Free TV Channels

• BBC, ITV, and S4C often show major tournaments like the FA Cup, World Cup and the Women’s Euros, with no subscription needed.

Streaming Services

• NOW: buy day or monthly Sky Sports passes, there’s no contract required.
• Free trials: keep an eye out for trial offers from platforms like Amazon Prime, Discovery+ or DAZN.
• YouTube and more: some smaller matches and highlights are available free on YouTube and official league channels.

TV + broadband bundles

• Compare packages from Sky, Virgin Media, BT and others. Bundling your broadband and sports channels can save money in the long-run.
• Look out for limited-time deals and family-friendly packages.

Get deals on match tickets

If your football-mad youngster insists on seeing live games, you should:

• sign up for early-bird tickets
• check out family or group discounts
• consider local women’s and youth league games, they have great atmosphere, low cost and are super inspiring for kids

Budget for football expenses

Create a ‘mini football fund’. Putting away as little as £5 a week can cover boots, club fees, or even a birthday kit.

Get the kids involved by saving pocket money toward their football dreams!

Encourage free play

Remind your kids that they don’t need a fancy pitch or £100 boots to play. All they need is a ball and some mates. Street games, garden footie and park meetups are where the love of the game really grows.

Look for sports grants

If club fees are tough, look into local sports grants or community schemes that help cover the costs. Your child might be eligible and you wouldn’t know unless you ask.

With a little planning, community spirit and creativity, you can support your child’s passion without breaking the bank.