Modern social media has given everyday citizens a powerful platform to voice their concerns and highlight community injustices. Today, I want to raise awareness about an issue that feels both unfair and exploitative: the high cost of youth sports.

Recently, my family attended the Manti Holiday Classic Wrestling Tournament at Manti High School to support my grandson. Admission to the tournament was $15 per person, per day. The price left me dumbfounded–I had to double-check to ensure I wasn’t mistakenly attempting to enter a Taylor Swift concert.

When I asked about the cost, I was told the fee was part of a “fundraiser.” I explained that I couldn’t afford to participate in a fundraiser; I simply wanted to watch my grandson wrestle. However, I was informed that no other option was available. I also learned that a two-day pass was available for $25 per person–still a significant expense for families.

Consider the financial burden this places on parents. After already paying steep registration fees for their child to participate in the sport, a mother and father would have to pay an additional $50 (plus taxes) to watch their child wrestle for just two days. It’s an outrageous price for an event held at a public high school.

Reluctantly, we paid the fee and found a seat. While sitting in the stands, I shared my frustration with the gentleman next to me. He told me I should feel “lucky”–it had cost him $175 (plus taxes) for his family to attend the tournament and watch their son compete.

These prices are not only shocking but also exclusionary. They place an undue financial strain on families, turning what should be an accessible and joyful activity into an expensive ordeal. Youth sports are meant to promote growth, teamwork, and community–not financial hardship.

It’s time for organizers to reconsider these practices and ensure that families are not priced out of their children’s lives.

Jay Lane, Mount Pleasant