Absolutely true. I was lucky and played through college. Clubs were only in their infancy. There is no way my father would shell out the money I do for my son.
How much should cleats, shin guards, a screen printed t-shirt and shorts cost? That is what we had, and no, the shorts didn't match (nor the tube socks). To your point:
https://www.nbcnews.com/business/consumer/lower-income-students-getting-shut-out-sports-n164941https://www.theguardian.com/football/blog/2016/jun/01/us-soccer-diversity-problem-world-footballAmerican Football is probably now the only sport where pay to play has no significant reach whatsoever. It is also where many lower income kids that love sports can have access and experience. Baseball has gotten expensive and less diverse. Basketball is getting more expensive as well.
Meanwhile, one way to improve the situation is solidarity payments.
https://sports.vice.com/en_us/article/qk...-deandre-yedlin"In June 2015, Crossfire Premier, Dallas Texans SC and Sockers FC Chicago filed complaints with the FIFA Dispute Resolution Chamber (DRC), claiming a combined $480,500 on transfers involving Yedlin, Clint Dempsey and Michael Bradley. Crossfire claims it’s entitled to a $60,000 share of the Yedlin transfer fee. (About $20 million have changed hands during the pro club transfers of Dempsey, who played youth ball for the Texans.)"
Meanwhile, many parents see (or are told that) club soccer as a pathway to a college scholarship. Really? The NCAA only allots 9.9 scholarships for mens soccer (12.9 for women). Not enough to field a team. Some schools do not even use their full allotment. Several others don't field a team.
If a parent saved all that money and put it in a money market account, they would almost assuredly come out better.
Nerve touched. Rant over.