Rant: Why is kids' soccer so expensive??

Just registered my son for fall soccer league and it's $280 for 8 weeks. Then they need shin guards ($35), cleats ($60-80), a jersey kit ($40). And apparently some parents are "donating" to cover field maintenance?

I'm not rich. I make decent money but this feels insane for a youth sport where half the 6-year-olds are just picking dandelions anyway. What are y'all spending on your kids' activities? Am I being cheap or is this legitimately out of control now?