Parents spend more than £1,200 a year on fuel and drive an average of 1,716 miles to support their children’s sporting commitments, despite the time and financial strain.
Parents with children in grassroots sport are spending more than £1,200 a year on fuel alone just to get them to training sessions and matches, according to a survey commissioned by Chery UK. The research, which polled 2,000 mothers and fathers, found that families clock up an average of 1,716 miles a year on these journeys, with the typical parent spending three hours and 22 minutes a week behind the wheel.
Football is the biggest driver of those miles, with 61% of parents saying they regularly ferry children to fixtures and practices, followed by swimming at 40% and dance at 18%. The survey suggests that for many families, this is not a minor inconvenience but a substantial routine commitment that shapes weekly schedules and budgets.
The time burden can be just as significant as the cost. Three quarters of parents said they have missed something important to put their child’s sporting activities first, including social occasions, birthday celebrations and work commitments. Another study cited by Youth Sports Business Report found that nearly two-thirds of children rely on parents for transport to sports and club activities, underlining how central the car has become to youth sport participation.
Despite the strain, most parents see the journeys as worthwhile. The Chery-commissioned survey found that 91% believe grassroots sport has benefited their child in ways that go beyond fitness, while 66% pointed to improved confidence, 63% to teamwork and 56% to social skills. Parents also said the time in the car often strengthens family relationships, with 72% saying the shared journeys have brought them closer to their children.
There is, however, a clear appetite for practical changes that would make the routine easier. Traffic congestion was the biggest frustration, followed by fuel and travel costs, then the challenge of fitting trips around work. Parents said lower fuel or charging costs, better parking and more local venues would help most. Chery’s managing director, Farrell Hsu, argued that the mileage involved is often modest enough to be covered by an electric or hybrid vehicle for families able to charge at home, a point the company is using to promote its own Super Hybrid models. The company’s pitch reflects a broader reality for parents: the emotional payoff of supporting children’s sport often comes with a very real financial and logistical price tag.
Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical judgment, advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
