Junior soccer fees ranging up to $2000 in Melbourne’s west

PARENTS in Melbourne’s west are forking out close to $2000 a year for their children to play soccer.

Children playing soccer in Point Cook. Left to right Sulaiman Saeed 8, Heath Aguis 7, Harrison Mill 7, Charlie Emery 12, Darcy Aguis 10, and Emily Gerolemou 9 Picture: Richard Serong

PARENTS in Melbourne’s west are forking out up to $2000 a year for their child to play soccer.

But media commentator and Point Cook father Warren Diego says parents should ask more questions before deciding where to send their child.

National Premier League clubs can charge juniors up to $2000 a year under Football Federation Victoria guidelines to help subsidise the annual $40,000 licence fee the body charges to compete in the state’s top flight.

But other clubs, such as Williamstown’s Barnstoneworth United, charge just $230 a year for children aged 12-18 to play the world game.

State League 4 outfit Point Cook — where Diego’s daughter plays in the under-11s — billed parents $350 for 7-11 year olds and $400 for 12-18 year olds in 2015.

Diego, a commentator with the Four Diegos — a soccer radio show on SEN — said the sport had become too expensive for parents.

“The issue with soccer (clubs) is they’re pricing themselves out of greater participation,” he said.

“My daughter can play two seasons of netball, 12 months of the year, for $160 a season — that’s including kit and we don’t have to pay affiliation fees.

“A whole summer of little athletics, 16 or 17 weeks, costs probably $180 to $200.”

Aussie Rules clubs such as Williamstown Juniors ($210) and Werribee Districts ($250), and cricket clubs like Altona ($160) and Keilor ($220) also provide more affordable options.

But soccer club fees such as Point Cook’s are just the tip of the iceberg.

NPL1 club St Albans — which fields more than 100 players aged 12-18 — demands $1000 per player to help cover its annual licence fee of $40,000, while the Melbourne Knights’ program — regarded as elite — commands a maximum of $1300.

“(The difference in price compared to other clubs) comes in the quality of coaching we have at our club,” Knights technical director Robert Krajacic said.

“We could easily charge the maximum $2,000 if we wanted, but we make sure all costs are covered. We feel the cost we charge is reasonable.”

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Junior fees are more affordable at State League level, but still compare unfavourably to other sports.

State League clubs Yarraville Glory and Altona City ask for $550 a year — a portion of which goes back to FFV.

State League clubs are billed $320 for the first junior team in each age group and $160 for subsequent teams as well as an $86 registration fee per player.

Barnstoneworth United — one of the most affordable clubs in the western suburbs — pays more than $16,000 in player registration and team entry fees for its under-12 to under-18 sides, but collects over $35,000 by charging $230 per player.

Other State League clubs — charged the same rates by FFV — are receiving more than double that in return from their players.

“Our players also get their playing shirt and if FFV gives out a backpack or football we give them out,” Barnstoneworth United secretary Helen Sinnott said.

“The reason our fees are low is all our staff (coaches) are volunteers. But we also have to pay our ground lease and maintenance.”

Altona East Phoenix president Jim Dimitriou said the $450 fee his club charged helped pay for coaching accreditation.

“It includes registration, coaching, the training kit — including shorts, socks, top — also a full tracksuit, a backpack and a soccer ball,” Dimitriou said.

“The difference in coaching can be a little bit — some clubs like Barnstoneworth, a lot of their coaches are just parents, they have a basic junior licence. All our coaches are accredited.”

In a statement, the FFV said all NPL Clubs were required to provide a breakdown of where fees are spent to ensure the money is being directed into the junior program.

“A number of factors can affect the player cost at a club including qualifications of the coaches, quality of the apparel, number of playing strips and accessories like tracksuits and bags, and also medical support staff,” the statement read.

“NPL is an advanced level of training and competition — it is important when comparing the cost to other sports that it is a fair comparison. For example the cost of training in a tennis academy receiving similarly advanced levels of coaching and support.”

Diego said parents should do their due diligence before picking a club for their child.

“I’m aware of clubs such as South Melbourne charging up to $1800. Theirs is regarded as an elite program, so I’d expect quality coaches,” he said.

“I think the best thing (for parents) to do is know what you’re getting for your money — asking more questions.

“Support your local club, play locally. Most of the time, kids get into soccer because of their friends — look for the best program, a well-run and administered club, and the best value for money.”