dramaturgy
THE WOLVES
The Cost of Playing
Among the 21 million families putting their children through youth sports, an estimated $5 billion is spent annually on these organizations, and another $7 billion in travel expenses to facilitate the activities.
In an interview with 'Money', a family from Folsom, California agreed to add up their soccer expenses incurred in the past year by having four boys playing competitively and discovered that they had spent $8,100 total on membership fees, $100 per each child in tournament fees, $6,200 on travel to eight tournaments, and $2,400 on restaurants, hotels, rental cars, and gas. Cleats and gear cost them another $1,200 while private lessons cost another $1,500.
A pair of cleats can cost anywhere from $20 to $300, shin guards from $10 to $150, the cost of gas to make it to and from practices and games, and hotel stays.
Many families pay travel teams fees in order for their child to be on the team, pay extra for multiple children, and even more for extra training and college portfolios.
Inequality at the Professional Level
This infographic shows that the British forward, Neymar, earns more annually than the top seven Women's leagues combined.
In 2014, after Germany won the World Cup, they were awarded $35 million by FIFA.
​
The next year in the World Cup, the Women's soccer team earned a victory against Japan, a game which now holds the record for highest rated soccer match in history. The team was awarded $2 million.
​
In 2016, Hope Solo, joined co-captains Carli Lloyd and Becky Sauerbrunn, forward Alex Morgan and midfielder Megan Rapinoe, filed an action with the federal Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) accusing U.S. Soccer of gender discrimination.
​
One year later the team signed a new deal after lengthy negotiations which includes improved travel and field accommodations, a sizable increase in base pay, and most importantly: per diems that are equal to the ones that the men's national team receives.
​
Although improvements have been made, the women refuse to withdraw their complaint to the EEOC until complete equality has been achieved, and will continue their fight.
​
The Global Stage
Women's soccer continues to bring in record shattering crowds to the Africa Cup of Nations, the Pro League in Mexico, the FA Cup final, and the European Championship.
​
So why is there still so much inequality across leagues?
​
Although countries such as the United States, Holland, Denmark, Scotland, Norway, and Sweden have made strides towards equality, there is still a long way to go.
Players from Nigeria and Ghana help peaceful sit-ins over unpaid bonuses and allowances.
​
Argentinian players are only paid 150 pesos ($8.50) per training session, and most have second jobs to make ends meet.
​
Irish players are not compensated for loss of earnings and do not get match fees or bonuses. They are also forced to change in airport restrooms on their way to matches because they share their apparel with youth teams.
​
Cristiane, an accomplished player from Brazil, was forced to quit soccer altogether because she could no longer tolerate the national federation's decisions.
​
Abby Erceg of New Zealand quit for similar reasons.