Many children are involved in sport, but it seems the costs involved are becoming an increasing problem for parents.
New research shows that a fifth of Irish parents cannot afford to get their children involved in sport, with almost a third saying they don't have the time to bring them to training or games.
Clinical child psychologist Dr Malie Coyne says that playing team sports not only has a positive impact on children's physical health, but on their mental wellbeing.
This encompasses areas like self-confidence, relationships with others and having a sense of belonging. It also helps to reduce stress and builds up resilience.
She joined us on The Last Word along with Jen Hogan, author of The Real Mum's Guide to (Surviving) Parenthood, who is a mother of seven and has experienced the issue first-hand.
