So for awhile now I've been wanting to start the kids in some sort of activity. Last fall I thought soccer would be great, but it was the end of August and registration was closed on every site I searched. So I started early in the spring thinking I would try T-ball...but then OUCH the sticker shock set in! I couldn't believe the fees, then you needed equipment, and a uniform, then there was a fund raiser. I just couldn't commit to so much especially without knowing if it was even something the kids would like.
Well, I thought I'm thinking ahead now, so lets try soccer this fall. I never ended up pricing it last year since I missed registration. So today I have begun my internet journey to try and find an affordable youth sport program. And Alas, I have failed. While there are many programs available, they all seem to be lacking in the affordable category. I find a site and think, yea ok this might work...but then the hidden fees start appearing and adding up. Such as one I came across and I thought wow! only $55 for the season. But then there is uniform and equipment, and then $16 photo id fee required for all participants. What is that! Has youth sports gotten so competitive that they really have to check a photo id to make sure you have a legit team???
I'm blown away! So far the best price I've found is $50, but it is located 45 minutes away. So in reality with current gas prices that would end up costing more than $100 programs even with the registration fee of $30. OUCH!
So, here's a series of questions to all those who read my blog:
1. Do you know of any good youth sport programs in the area?
2. Is it worth it? What I mean is, it seems like so much to spend for only 8-10 weeks of "fun" for the kiddos. In your experiences has it been worth the cost?
3. How do you know if it's right for your kid? I mean my kids say they like sports, but in reality we are not an athletic family, so I don't know that they have a real view of sports. I wonder if they will be done with it, way before the season is over.
Please feel free to leave your responses in the comments section. I am new to all of this, and appreciate any feedback you may have to give.
Thursday, July 17, 2008
Youth Sports
Posted by The Bergquist Fam at 1:59 PM
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2 comments:
I think all kids should get involved with some kind of group sports. The benifit goes so far beyond the "fun." There are the teamwork building aspects (many adults would be better off if they did better in this area!), physical activity, metting new friends and also the fun of watching you kids grow and learn now things. I think even the $100 would be worth it (not too much more money though!) in the long run. It is a big investment now, but will pay off in the long run by far!!!
As for knowing about groups here. I'm no good for you!
Also, to be fair, the kids will like it and will not be ready for the season to end, but the parents - usually CAN'T wait! However, that's something that comes with a lot of kids programs!
That's my two cents worth...
the only thing i have to go on is my own kids. they love it. like desi said, for all those reasons. however, they do learn all those skills at school and often schools have sports for the little ones too. not sure where you are though. anyhow, it's not going to kill them if they don't do it this year. there are real stickler parents out there that want their kids to be in all those things, and you need to evaluate the reasons your kids are doing them. my parents sent me to them b/c i LOVED them, plain and simple. they were fun, but they were also FREE.
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