Everything Everywhere Daily · Monday, July 13, 2026
Former USMNT player Landon Donovan stated that the cost of youth soccer in the United States has made it inaccessible for many families. He estimates that yearly expenses can reach $5,000-$6,000 before uniforms and travel, a price point he believes would have prevented him from playing if it existed during his childhood.
“It's become at best a middle-class sport, and it's really a middle to upper-class sport. It's $4, $5, or $6,000 a year before you get into uniforms and travel.”
“My mom was a special ed teacher who made $30,000. There's zero chance I could have played soccer in this country today. I wouldn't have been able to afford to play, end quote.”