Gift helping kids stay on the field as cost of living cruels junior sport

Kids' sport is one of the growing number of casualties from Australia's cost-of-living crisis, with parents increasingly unable to fork out the money to take part.

New research from Lonergan found over one in three (34 per cent) parents are saying they had been forced to choose between household essentials and their kid's sporting activities.

And 43 per cent of children who drop out of sport do so for money-related reasons.

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The research also showed parents spend a combined average of $1910 on their children's participation in sport, with an average of $575 spent annually on uniforms and equipment alone.

Despite this, nearly eight in ten (78 per cent) of respondents said participation boosts their children's confidence, and nearly three quarters (73 per cent) said it allows them to engage with their friends and communities.

A full 70 per cent said it helped their children meet new people and expand their social circle.

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Sydney mum Tori Presland is one of those parents struggling to balance living essentials with keeping her sons active in their favourite sport - rugby league.

She said she was "definitely" worried about the cost of participation this year.

"Registration fees, mouth guards, head gear, football boots, it all adds up very quickly," she said.

"With the cost of living rising, sport can become difficult to afford, and we were really feeling that pressure this season."

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Her youngest son, aged two and a half, also suffers significant health issues which require regular hospital visits, including to the Sydney Children's Hospital and Randwick, as well as thrice-weekly therapy sessions.

The family's pockets have also been squeezed by recent hospital visits caused by the little boy's hypertension-induced severe nosebleeds that left him anaemic.

"On top of all that, his medication must be specially compounded because he cannot swallow tablets, costing $171 every 8 days," she said.

"Combined with surgeries, tests and specialist care, our medical expenses are already substantial."

However, in part thanks to a partnership between James Hardie and the Parramatta Eels, her kids are still able to take the field this year.

Building materials company James Hardie has donated 1000 pairs of footy boots - a high-expense item - to junior players in the Eels' catchment.

"Coming through the Eels pathways, I've seen how much community footy means to young players and their families. It gives kids a place to belong and to believe in themselves," Parramatta Eels player Sam Tuivaiti said.

"But I also know that the cost of gear can put real pressure on parents. That's why this initiative is important, something as simple as a new pair of boots can be the difference between a kid staying in the game or missing out."

Presland said the gifted boots had taken a "huge amount" of financial pressure off the family and allowed her to sign her sons up for sport this season.

"They absolutely love the Eels and rugby league and now they can be a part of something that keeps them active, social and happy," she said.

"The boots didn't just ease financial pressure - they gave two little boys a sense of pride and excitement. As a family doing it tough, emotionally, physically and financially exhausted this gesture has meant more to us than words can explain."

James Hardie APAC president John Arneil said sport played an important role in children's lives and shaping their confidence, teamwork, and belonging.

"We take pride in being part of the communities where we live, work and play, and we're committed to delivering initiatives that strengthen those connections," he said.

"Through our partnership with the Parramatta Eels, we're proud to support the next generation by helping remove one barrier that prevents kids from staying active and connected."

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