MOMania

By Keith

August 13, 2008 7:52 AM | Link to this

Theresa — You might want to check out programs like Upward, which are church-run sports leagues. My 7-year-old played basketball through Upward at a Methodist church last winter, and they had cheerleaders for those games. The cheerleaders and players each practiced one night a week and then had Saturday games.

I have seen other sports offered in the Upward program, but don’t remember if football is one of them. In any event, it might be a good low-key way for Rose to see if she enjoys cheerleading enough to make that big commitment next year.

Also, during the summer, our local high school cheerleaders run cheer camps for kids Rose’s age. It’s usually a few hours each morning, and the campers learn some cheers and put on a show for parents at the end of the week. Another way to give her a taste of cheerleading without the huge financial and time commitment. Our oldest was really into the idea of cheerleading when she was in kindergarten, so we tried one of the camps. She had a great time at the camp, but decided she wasn’t that interested in cheering after all.

By Sugar

August 13, 2008 8:15 AM | Link to this

In my opinion, cheerleading is something that is done in middle school and high school, not when you are 7 years old.

I think cheerleading for youth football is STUPID. And the cost is outrageous.
But that’s MY opinion.

By Band Mom Gone Wild

August 13, 2008 8:17 AM | Link to this

Ooo… this is a tough one. I think there are good arguments on both sides. We’ve all heard about how sedentary our kids have become. I can’t help but think encouraging them to participate in team sports is one way to fight this battle. I agree with you about the cost Theresa. Our family is a prime example of the cost preventing our child’s participation. My daughter specifically didn’t do cheerleading (thank God) when she was in elementary school because we just couldn’t afford it. From what I understand, once these little girls get beyond the initial stages they’re pretty much required to take dance classes and tumbling classes (in addition to the cheerleading practices) in order to stay competitive and be chosen for the squad. I think that spending $500 on cheerleading plus the hundreds spent on the supplemental lessons PLUS the money spent on cheerleading camps that they’re encouraged to attend is just too much.

But, then on the other side of the argument you’ve got those kids who are actually extremely talented and can use their talent to eventually earn college scholarships. That can be said for not just cheerleading, but soccer, baseball, football, etc. My daughter’s former boyfriend is an example. While as much as I think he’s a meathead because of the stupid reason he dumped her, he is an extremely talented 16 year old (and frickin’ huge at 6’5” 295 lbs). I wouldn’t be at all surprised if in six or seven years I was watching a pro football game and heard his name called out. He has an advantage though. His parents have the financial means to get him supplemental training that will assist him when it comes to being signed by a big name college and then possibly moving into the NFL. What about the kids whose parents don’t have the money for CES (Competitive Edge Sports) or The Factory? Additionally, it’s who you know and who you’re seen by, which happens by remaining in the programs for a long time. There are high school coaches that go to rec league games to try to “recruit” the best kids to their programs. We all know there are college scouts that come to high school football games but they’ve actually followed some of these kids’ “football careers” from the time they were in Pop Warner.

As I’m typing this I realize that I truly don’t know the answer. I guess each parent has to look at each child individually and decide what’s best.

By Smart Ace

August 13, 2008 8:23 AM | Link to this

Cheeleaders are just dancers…..who’ve gone retarded.

By sue

August 13, 2008 9:05 AM | Link to this

I hate that after paying hundreds of dollars to enroll your children in football and cheerleading, you have to pay an admission to attend the games.

By Band Mom Gone Wild

August 13, 2008 9:14 AM | Link to this

Sue, try paying hundreds of dollars to have your kid participate in Marching Band in HS so that they can support their own HS football team, only to get charged admission at a HOME football game even though you’re CHAPERONING for said Marching Band! (I coulda spit fire!!)

By Sugar

August 13, 2008 9:17 AM | Link to this

I hate seeing little girls in short skirts trying to look sexy. And they all have makeup on. They look like little hookers.

This would coincide with yesterday’s topic.

By Theresa

August 13, 2008 9:18 AM | Link to this

Hey Keith - I knew you had told me one but i couldn’t remember the name— i will check into that one. thanks!!

By OhTheDrama

August 13, 2008 9:19 AM | Link to this

This is an interesting topic. My son played football in the first grade last year and is doing it again this year. Yes the cost is high, but he also takes karate which is even more expensive. You are also right that the schedule is demanding. Most High School feeder programs practice for 2 hours 3 times a week and then have a game which can easily take up 4 hours of each Saturday. What makes the difference is if you child enjoys it. Last year my son had the best team anyone could hope for. It lucked out that just about everyone have a birthday party during the season so every weekend the team got together for someone’s birthday party. That led to not only the players bonding , but the parents as well. It was bittersweet when the season ended. We were happy to get our free time back, but sad to loose such great companions. I’m hoping this year will be as good, but it’s not looking like it. My son was older than most of his team last year and so he was one of the few that moved up to a new class this year. The parents on this team seem much more isolated and too stressed out about how their children are playing. I personally don’t care if they ever win a game, I just want my son to get a decent amount of exercise and fresh air. I hope the Football Dads don’t ruin the season for everyone else. I guess in the end it’s like anything. You never know if it’s going to be worth it until you try it.

By Eve

August 13, 2008 9:31 AM | Link to this

I can’t believe anyone would encourage their young child to become a cheerleader - yesterday’s topic was spot on and today’s topic is a complete about face! I don’t get it!

You’re encouraging you daughter to parade around in front of people, wearing next to nothing, and the progression will get worse as she gets older - provided, of course, she chooses to stick with it.

By lakerat

August 13, 2008 9:31 AM | Link to this

Not any more intense than any other state.

Keith - that was an excellent suggestion re: the Upward programs. Hope the editor follows your suggestion.

Hey Band Mom - do you think the players parents get in free at home games? Not in this lifetime! So, hold that spit!!!!

By JJ

August 13, 2008 9:57 AM | Link to this

I have never paid to get into one of these football games. I always tell the people at the gate I just want to watch my niece cheer for a few minutes……

My daughter never did cheerleading, because it’s just WAY too expensive.

By Jen

August 13, 2008 10:15 AM | Link to this

Here’s a perspective from a city family.

We live in the Candler Park neighborhood, which is one of the neighborhoods bordering Little Five Points. Inman Park is the other neighborhood.

Anyway, soccer is very huge and AYSA is a very well-run program.

But, my son, who is almost 7 and just started second grade, wanted to skip soccer this fall and play football. He’ll still play soccer in the spring.

However, in the city there are NO youth programs like AYSA, meaning private. The only program is through City of Atlanta Bureau of Recreation. This is probably because until about 10 years ago families didn’t really live in the city.

Anyway, the registration cost was $50. In MOST cases the Rec center holding your child’s program will provide you with a helmet and pads and jersey. You just have to get mouth piece, jock, shoes, and pants. You can get all of that for under $50.

For us, however, the Peachtree Hills Rec Center just started their 6 and under team so they had no equipment and all the 6 and under kids had to buy their stuff.

From talking with other parents we heard they paid anywhere from $150. We didn’t care to run down the cheapest price so we just went to the closest sporting goods store and ended up spending $220.

Practice is 3 days a week: Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday.

Games are Saturday.

Since games don’t start until the end of the month we’ve been having “two-a-day” practices on Saturday.

Yes, this is a big time committment and I find that more taxing than the cost. However, my son is really loving it, way more than he ever did soccer.

The positive is that the coaches are very flexible on missing practices. My son plays piano and has his lesson every Monday during practice. He’s been going to piano lessons since kindergarten, so that’s 2 complete years, and we weren’t about to discontinue that. The coaches were okay with him missing Monday’s practice. Another child has an academic activity on Monday’s and misses practice as well.

But the most intense thing I’ve found so far really is the way the coaches coach. With soccer the coach was always a dad and the coaching style took a page right out of Dr Spock.

But with football the coaches are employees of the city. And they act like football coaches, like I remember the high school coaches acting! So they yell at the kids a lot and make them do pushups, situps, and laps when they forget something that’s been drilled into them over and over.

The coaches are not unkind or cruel. They don’t call the kids names, or anything like that. They might yell, “Why are you slow-poking? Didn’t I tell you to hustle?”

But they don’t yell, “Why are you slow-poking, stupid?”.

However, if I am honest with myself, the football coach’s style is probably closer to my parenting style than the soccer coach’s!

Anyway, yes, it’s intense. But, my son seems to thrive off of it. He’s bonded with his team and the parents are already talking about forming a booster club to pay for a “bowl game” trip to Mississippi in November, which will be an optional game.

And I’ve had fun watching my son learn how to handle the kind of harshness that comes with football…not only handle it but really seem to enjoy it.

Sorry for the long post…

By Smyrna Spartan

August 13, 2008 10:26 AM | Link to this

If your daughter really wants to cheer then I do not see the problem with cheerleading. One day it might lead to a college scholarship.

Try the Smyrna Spartans. We practice at Campbell Middle School in Smyrna. The cost of is only $200. This includes their uniform, socks, shoes, and pom-poms.

My son plays for the football team and last year we had a great time. Our parents and kids got together after every game. The kids really got a chance to bond and carried the friendship past the season. (Most of the team went to different schools.)

By joe

August 13, 2008 10:26 AM | Link to this

Competitive Cheering is about the biggest waste of time there is for a young person.

By coach

August 13, 2008 10:30 AM | Link to this

I guess the people who do not want to pay anything for their child to participate in an activity that lasts for 4 months would pay an outrageous amount for them to be tutored. Kids need to be involved in other activities outside of school. The person who said that cheerleaders look like w******* must have a lot of other issues. My daughter’s teams uniforms basically look like a sleeveless top and a skort, what is wrong with that. If more people got involved with their children’s teams they would also look forward to going to practices and games to see their new friends.

By TaraKaye

August 13, 2008 10:33 AM | Link to this

My husband and I have discussed youth sports and agreed - our kids can play when they’re in middle school and not before for a long list of reasons. Youth sports are way too intense. Do kids really need to be playing organized baseball, football, etc. at 7? Have you really lost your competitive edge by 11? I’m not worried about my kids keeping up because I know their Dad will have them outside all the time (not to mention that he himself is a prime example - he didn’t play organized soccer until age 12 and was an All-American in college). We watched a peewee baseball team play a few months ago and the parents screaming in the stands where ridiculous. I’m not going to say there’s nothing to be gained by playing youth sports, but I think the pros are so far outweighed by the cons, I’d never submit my children to it.

To the people who say the college scholarships could be worth it: the huge majority of kids do not play for D1 schools, much less earn full scholarships. And parents end up paying so much to have these kids in competitive sports not much is saved. It’s the riskiest investment any parent could make.

Also, to Lakerat: I have only ever lived in one other state, but it was definitely a LOT less insane in the youth sports arena than Georgia. I was blown away when I moved here and had to pay to watch middle school athletes. Everything is way more intense here. The age at which they start, the style of the leagues, etc. It’s the norm here and the exception there.

By Jen

August 13, 2008 10:41 AM | Link to this

TaraKaye, the only way it matters if your child gets a scholarship to a D1 school is if the football is more important than the education.

See, D1 refers to the athletic program, not the quality of the education. If a child is using a sport as a means to an educational end then it really doesn’t matter if the school is D1. All that matters it that he/she can get a good education.

By Vic

August 13, 2008 10:42 AM | Link to this

Hey Smart Ace…cheerleaders are not just dancers who have gone retarted. Cheerleading is an extreme sport with girls & guys doing tumbling and stunts that you couldn’t imagine doing.

By Rhonda K.

August 13, 2008 10:46 AM | Link to this

Another good resource is your local YMCA.

My daughter plays Academy soccer on a traveling team. Practice is 4 hours a week, and games or tournaments throughout the season. She loves playing, and it’s taught her so much more than kicking a ball, mainly the results of working together has a team to accomplish goals. She’s also had to learn to manage her time…homework not done = no soccer! We pay around $800 a year for her to play, but the rec teams are much cheaper….usually around $85 a season.

Good luck!

By Vic

August 13, 2008 10:49 AM | Link to this

Cheerleading is a great sport. My daughter wanted to be a cheerleader for the longest time, and I would’t let her because of the image that people give cheerleaders. I finally gave in and let her cheer sidelines. She now does all-star cheer. It is very time consuming, but she loves it and is involved in it because she loves it. Not so she can say she is a cheerleader.

By TIGER FAN

August 13, 2008 10:53 AM | Link to this

What if Micheal Phelps parents said the same thing.

By Jamie

August 13, 2008 11:02 AM | Link to this

Rec Cheerleading in Douglas County was insane.

First, for K-1 grade, practice was 4 nights a week, 2 hours per night - no breaks. For Kindergarten!

Worse, though, by far: the coaches, and the leadership of the program taught and modeled bad character traits and ethics.
The coaches yelled constantly, offered no encouragement or positive comments, taught that looks were very important and that all that matter was winning. And if you didn’t win you were a loser with no redeeming qualities.

It was very expensive, and then they expected the parents to fund raise non-stop and pay fees for all kinds of things.

We quit before the second week, and I forfeited the money - gladly-just to get her away from those crazy people.

We were made to feel bad about quitting, and called quitters! I seriously question the parents that DIDN’T quit!

Seriously, how did these people miss all those after school specials?

We found Upward, too. We like it very much, it is positive, it builds character and puts the child first - not the competition. It is not expensive, either. And we met other people and made friends who share our same values.

I thought Rec Sports were just bad in our county, it is sad to hear that it is other places, too.

By Rhonda K.

August 13, 2008 11:03 AM | Link to this

I don’t know what a d-1 school is, but as far as scholarships go, for girls, if they are on a varsity team, there’s a good chance of getting a scholarship, depending on the sport. I’ve known parents of girls playing soccer in high school, and basically the girls had choices of several schools, all offering full scholarships(most of the team had the Hope Scholarship, but if they wanted to go out of state, they accepted the sports scholarship), however I’m not sure this is the case for boys..

Most of the girls on my daughter’s team have been playing since the age of 4, they are 11 now, by the time they are seniors, they will have 14 years of playing. These girls are at a totally different playing level then when I was in high school!

By Sportsmommy

August 13, 2008 11:03 AM | Link to this

Finally a topic right up my alley… Youth sports are a great way for your child to find out who they are and what they like. As a Gresham Park Rattler our youth football and cheerleading programs are both $150.00 the boys get to “rent” their jersey, pants and helmet, the girls rent their uniforms. Any thing extra you pay for and get to keep. We even give the parents 110 raffle tickets so if they sell all of the raffle tickets they get their money back and then the registration is really only $40.00. Great deal. The problem we are having is that more and more kids are playing at the middle school or cheering with a competition/performance squad only. Our fees are less than a quarter of theirs, but so many parents are looking to be on performance squads. We practice Tus, Wed, Thurs throughout the school week and play games on Saturdays. It really can’t be beat…

By GA_Tiger Fan

August 13, 2008 11:03 AM | Link to this

For football, yes it is intense here in GA. However, as long as the boy playing is having a good time I see no harm. Real life is ultra competitive so the earlier they learn how to deal with that the better in my opinion.

By Good Experience

August 13, 2008 11:05 AM | Link to this

Our kids participate in Jr. Football and Cheerleading in Cobb County thru their feeder high school. One of the best things our 7th grade football player ever did was decide to play. $400/year in fees and worth every penny. He loves the game, lost 35 pounds, and was chosen outstanding student last year, after having average grades the year before. One compliments the other. They practice 5 times a week, so I know he is getting exercise, gets to bond with other kids his age, & works as a team. The discipline has been great for his development. The homework is also done on time and his grades show it. Our daughter is a first year 6th grade cheerleader. $750/year for fees. I am watching the program this year to see if it is worth it. The girls and Moms are just like they were when I was in HS 30 years ago. Sometimes chatty and clubby, but generally ok. Some live their lives thru their kids as they were cheeleaders many years ago themselves! Ha! There are 2 practices a week plus games. The rules are strict, anywhere from the carpool to the hair ribbons. If you want to cheer in later years, take the extra tumbling classes as you will need to the skill. I don’t see cheering as academic, but for a girl, it is fun. The attitude of cheering can sometimes make everyone think this is top priority, but we make it the 2nd priority behind grades and homework. She is an all A student and if this suffers, cheering will have to go. Kids need activities outside of school work. Go with whatever helps develop your child.

By Mattie

August 13, 2008 11:09 AM | Link to this

My son was a college cheerleader at his university. He was recruited while working out at the gym. The main requirement was that he be able to lift a 110 lb. girl over his head using only one hand. Cheerleading is very athletic. He didn’t get a scholarship, but he got massive amounts of clothing and sneakers, not to mention 1st class travel and a chance to see be on the field/court during big games. He counts it as a highlight of his college years, and it didn’t cost me a penny! But, my friend had her daughters in competitive cheering while they were young. I couldn’t believe what she spent on the lessons, and well as constant travel to competitions. Now, neither girl, having reached middle school-age, wants to be involved anymore.

By Jen

August 13, 2008 11:14 AM | Link to this

Re D1 Schools

My older brother played high school football. He was very good but he was very, very small. He knew that he would have no future in college football and he would not be able to get a scholarship…he wanted to be a veterinarian.

So, during his freshman year in college he joined the cheerleading squad. He was small for football but athletic and strong enough to throw girls in the air and catch them.

It paid for college (wasn’t even D1).

Then he went on to vet school and he’s been a veterinarian for 10 years now.

So, athletics can be a means to an educational end and it doesn’t necessarily matter what level of athletics of the school.

By Jamie

August 13, 2008 11:14 AM | Link to this

In regard to the Michael Phelps comment, If your kid loves a sport, find an organization that will encourage him/her to excel - investigate if it is a good fit for your child.

Just because someone is good a particular sport doesn’t mean they are a good role model or coach.

We have not found that kind of support in a rec league.

My daughter has participated in gymnastics and dance through private competition teams and those have been a positive influence.

And just because a child didn’t walk out of the womb playing a sport, doesn’t mean they don’t have a natural talent for one. Let them explore different ones and find their own passion!

By justafan

August 13, 2008 11:15 AM | Link to this

I have two daughters that cheered in youth programs. One stopped in middle school because of an injury. The other went on the win a state ring and national championship rings. Yes, believe it or not it is a recognized sport. She has had the priviledge of being on ESPN. She has travelled many places as a cheerleader and as a coach. And for those of you that look down on them, she graduated last year from college along with another cheerleader proudly wearing her sash the school gave them for being national champions. There were 6 people graduating at the time with their degree. I am sure as stereotypes go most of you are thinking the worst by now. Well, they were both Math majors and are going on to teach high school math and be cheerleading coaches. She started when she was 7 and is still loving it today. And she never dressed like people on here portray. We let our children try many different sports and activities and through participation they decided where their interest stayed. She just decided it was cheerleading.

By CP

August 13, 2008 11:16 AM | Link to this

Our family has never been into sports other than watching some of them on television, mostly during the Olympics. If the kids want to play organized sports when they get older, I’m sure we’ll find a way to make it work. But if academics are impacted too much then sports may have to go.

I do hope they find something extracurricular they’ll enjoy. But if they don’t I’m not going to force them into it. They get a lot of exercise in the yard here & in the pool.

I hope that my oldest daughter does want to do something with sports, but I don’t want her cheering. Too expensive & too dangerous when it’s competitive. I’d rather her take ballet or dance. Something that will give her some grace & balance. I know there are injuries with those activities too, but I’ve not heard of a ballerina or dancer becoming a quadriplegic from dancing. Cheerleading is the sport (for women) that cause the most injuries. But then, if my daughters decided to get involved with cheering, I’d make sure it was something they really wanted to do & would be committed to it. But I’m not spending hundreds of dollars on anything extra before middle school.

By livininatl

August 13, 2008 11:17 AM | Link to this

Have to chime in here on the private instruction issue, hubbie is a prof. scout and basically if you’ve got talent you’ve got talent, private instruction can help but lots of kids are picked up from the middle of nowhere that have never had any private instuction.

Also see a ton of boys that end up going to a community college to play ball that otherwise would not even consider even attending college if not for sports.

By justafan

August 13, 2008 11:18 AM | Link to this

I have two daughters that cheered in youth programs. One stopped in middle school because of an injury. The other went on the win a state ring and national championship rings. Yes, believe it or not it is a recognized sport. She has had the priviledge of being on ESPN. She has travelled many places as a cheerleader and as a coach. And for those of you that look down on them, she graduated last year from college along with another cheerleader proudly wearing her sash the school gave them for being national champions. There were 6 people graduating at the time with their degree. I am sure as stereotypes go most of you are thinking the worst by now. Well, they were both Math majors and are going on to teach high school math and be cheerleading coaches. She started when she was 7 and is still loving it today. And she never dressed like people on here portray. We let our children try many different sports and activities and through participation they decided where their interest stayed. She just decided it was cheerleading.

By happy cheerleaders mom

August 13, 2008 11:20 AM | Link to this

My 9 year old is a cheerleader in Dacula and she has been for 3 years. SHE LOVES IT. It is expensive BUT the smile on her face is worth every penny! She practices 2 times a week and we have games on Saturday. We don’t do the extra class and stuff at this point because it is for fun. If she is still in to cheerleading when she gets older then we might. As long as she has fun thats all that matters to my husband and I.

By Footballdad

August 13, 2008 11:25 AM | Link to this

Real nice Eve - “You’re encouraging you daughter to parade around in front of people, wearing next to nothing, and the progression will get worse as she gets older..” Sounds like bitter comments from someone that is simply “anti-cheerleading” if you ask me. Maybe some personal history there?

As a father of both a 7 yr old cheerleader and a 12 yr old football player in the GFL (I coach my son and help team-dad both), I think I can safely say that’s NOT what I am encouraging my little girl to do. You may not call it a “sport,” but cheering has done wonders for my daughter’s physical well-being and has helped an otherwise shy child to make lots of new friends. She’s into ballet/tap as well, and it also helps compliment that activity. Yea, it’s expensive, but’s it’s something my kids enjoy. We caravan and tailgate on Saturday’s and enjoy this family time together. Like anything in life, it’s what you choose to make it.

By the way, the girls don’t shake their booties around or act seductive either. I wouldn’t stand for it. By the same token, I wouldn’t allow my son to use bad language, take cheap shots, or show-boat on the football field either. To me, both activities provide an opportunity to teach character principals out in the real world (or at least as “real” as it can be for a kid). Yes, you can be a cheerleader, football player, or coach and be a person of integrity and character….

By SportMom

August 13, 2008 11:30 AM | Link to this

Kids sports are a bit over the edge if you ask me although my son has been involved in something since he was 4. He’s an only child and has a lot of energy (I know, what boy doesn’t?) Rec Soccer in our county is actually not too bad for 4-9 year olds (1 practice & 1 game per week). They go up to 2 practices and a game for 10+ unless you do the “select” teams in which case not only are you forking over a registration fee but also a monthly fee for the coaches and fees for each tournament. Football, cheerleading and baseball on the other are overboard. Prior to the season starting, it’s usually 3 practices a week and then once the season starts it’s 2 a week plus games until they’re about 10 and then you’re stuck with 3 practices a week no matter what. The practices are usually from 6-8 so for families with working parents, the kids typically stay in after-school programs until 5 or 5:30, you pick your kid up, run through the drive though while they change in the back seat and they eat on the way to the ball field. It gives you 0 family time and I found myself mad when the teachers assigned homework (my son would never get it done in after-school care). Our problems were much better when I started working from home (no after school care) and my husband started coaching my son’s team and refused to practice more than twice a week. Some parents were upset but most were not. At least now that my son is in middle school and plays for the school, they just stay after school for a couple of hours (yes every day) but when i pick him up at 5:30, that’s it. We can go home and have dinner and he can get his homework done.

By new mom

August 13, 2008 11:33 AM | Link to this

My husband and I have given a lot of thought into what and how much we will want our baby girl to be involved in as she grows up.

Neither of us had a lot of lessons when we were very young—his due to finances, and my parents didn’t want to ‘push’ me. We are going to try to find a middle ground for our daughter, somewhere between not exposing her at all and the insane ‘world revolves around your child’s sport’ life.

We plan to enroll her in swimming lessons within the next year or so, and also let her try out some gymnastics and dance classes. We believe that if she makes a commitment then she should fulfill it, however, if she doesn’t enjoy something, she will never have to continue it. I think our philosophy will be to let her try things out to see what SHE’S interested in, and let her take the lead and responsibility for herself.

The big reason we want to let her start trying some things early is that if you wait until they get interested, it’s usually too late. I remember thinking about gymnastics and piano at around 8-9, but at that age, there were no ‘beginner’ classes! (things may be different now, I don’t know). I wish that I had had the chance to try different things and decide for myself if I liked them, rather than just waiting until I ran across it on my own. (and no, I don’t plan to live vicariously through our daughter, don’t worry! I just want her to have some opportunities I didn’t.)

By Athlete's mom

August 13, 2008 11:33 AM | Link to this

Ah yes, a topic near and dear to my heart, youth sports. I already have one child who started soccer at 5, played select through high school, varsity 4 years and is now playing at a DII college. Did we spend a lot of time traveling to practices, tournaments, etc.—-yes! Did we spend a lot of $$$-yes! Did we meet a lot of great and not so great people-yes! Was our child happy playing-priceless!

We have another playing soccer and golf so we spend even more time and money, but again, the costs of time and money are far outweighed by the good it does our child.

We are not doing this with dreams of an athletic scholarship, but with hopes of a well-rounded student who is able to manage time well, is not a couch potato, understands how to act in a lot of different situations, and can get along with a lot of different people.

For very young kids, rec programs are perfect. Waiting until middle school to start competitive sports like soccer, baseball, basketball will just put your child into a situation where they are so far behind in skills compared to others that they cannot compete.

Of course each family needs to make their own decision, but whether you stay at a rec level or progress, sports will cost time and money, but IMHO they are well worth it.

By Numbers Guy

August 13, 2008 11:36 AM | Link to this

It really depends on two things - What you and your child are looking for out of the experience, and what leagues in the area try to offer out of the experience. Don’t be tentative about shopping around to match the two.

In our area, for example, the official little-league sanctioned baseball organization is available and first class - and borders on brutal regarding the atmosphere and pressure, IMO. However, there’s another league the same distance the other side of the neighborhood that’s been just fantastic. No shot at the little league world series, but let’s face it - that’s really improbable anyway.

One more thing - if you don;t like the intensity of football leagues, play another sport. Fall baseball tends to be far more relaxed and instructional than spring ball.

By livininatl

August 13, 2008 11:41 AM | Link to this

Upward was great for us during our sons first two years playing basketball. It served as an introduction to the game with no stress. However, he did outgrow it as he became more competitive and craved more formal coaching. It is an awesome program.

By Shannon

August 13, 2008 11:45 AM | Link to this

Try i9sports.com. Type in your zip code to see if there is a franchise near you. It’s very inexpensive. They practice one hour before the game on Saturday. No practices during the week.

By Camille

August 13, 2008 11:54 AM | Link to this

Youth football here in Georgia is crazy. My oldest is 10 now, and I’ve allowed him to try all of the major sports (football, baseball, basketball and soccer). Football was the craziest of all with the total amount that I had to spend (registration fees, uniform, snacks, homecoming fees, ads for that silly book, etc.), the time commitment, and the intensity of the parents and especially coaches. I especially did not like the way in which the coaches “coached.” I completely understand getting caught up in the game (I’m that way with my son and basketball), however, there’s a difference between just flat out yelling at the kids and calling them names and being constructive about it. The year that he played he was 6 (the first year that he can play), and he’s not played since. Halfway through that season he didn’t want to play anymore, but I made him complete the season because of the investment that I’d already made and because he had so insisted on wanting to play in the first place that I was not going to allow him to quit. He has asked me about it since, but after telling him to make sure that it’s what he wanted to do because he would not be allowed to quit, he’s always come back and said never mind.

The other sports (soccer, basketball, and baseball) also have their crazy, intense parents, but I’ve found that the coaches are not as intense and the costs and time involved are not anywhere near football. He’s gravitated more towards basketball (at 10, he’s about 5’3” now), but I’m not really seeing that he will become a professional basketball player. So, sports is more of a recreational outlet for both of us, which is another reason why the intensity of football was such a turnoff for me. For those kids and their parents that it works for, then I say to go for it. However, I think that youth football (along with cheerleading) is just too much for kids at the elementary age.

By Anonymous

August 13, 2008 11:54 AM | Link to this

If you want to play high school sports or cheer, you have to start young. If you’re not playing league or club ball by the time you’re in middle school, you’re way behind the curve. My own daughter started club volleyball one year late (at 12) because she danced since she was 4. She now has to go to a private coach just to try to catch up with her peers, albeit in a very competitive school program.

By JOHNNYG

August 13, 2008 11:58 AM | Link to this

Money and time seem to be what some parents don’t want to spend on their kids. We’ve already have enough of those. Your children learn “commitment”. By saying yes to participating they have to mean it. They learn accountability. They learn teamwork. They learn how to manage time. They learn it’s a privledge that can be lost. They learn discipline. They learn social skills. These are in ADDITION to all the things a parent teaches. You know what’s cheap and easy for your kids -TV.

By Kathy

August 13, 2008 12:00 PM | Link to this

From what I have seen my neighbor go through with her son and football, it is WAY too intense. Her son is 7 and he has practice 2-3 times per week for about 2-3 hours at a time. Then they have games on Saturdays. She told me before the “real” practices even started, the team was having “illegal” practice! Why does a seven year old need to start football practice before the practices for the “real” season even start? And why are coaches doing that? I guess more importantly, why are parents allowing that to happen???? THEY ARE SEVEN!!!!! This is not UGA! And for those of you still not sure what a D-1 school is: UGA, Florida Gators, GA Tech, USC, LSU…do I need to go on?

By Eve

August 13, 2008 12:27 PM | Link to this

Footballdad

Absolutely no bitterness and it’s got nothing to do with personal history. I was raised in a country where girls were encouraged to participate in sports rather than stand on the sidelines, wearing short skirts and too much make-up.

I just don’t see cheerleading as a sport; I’ve lost count as to how many guy friends I have who attend games and spend the entire time ogling the cheerleaders - I’m talking professional games as well as college (I hope they draw the line at collage and don’t attend high school games!).

I’m not saying that your 7 year old is out there shaking her toosh for all the world to see, but I’ve seen older girls who cheer and that’s all they seem to do. My neice is just as guilty as the next teen for doing the same thing. But if you knew my sister-in-law, you’d know exactly where she got that from!

By KK

August 13, 2008 12:57 PM | Link to this

Wow! I must admit that I am a little astounded by some of the comments here. Seems like we are basicly trying to determine if our children are “worth” the time and commitment of learning to become dependable, a team player, being commited and being THEMSELVES! Instead, it seems that the parents are more detered from youth sports; simply because THEY don’t have the time for their child to be him/her self. Seems that parents would rather have “their” money to buy bon bons and get there nails done, or go golfing with the boys! I guess it just boils down to: What are YOU willing to give of yourself and your “time” for your KID?! And for the comments like “cheerleaders look like little w*” Sounds like a parent that had issues with her own self in HER childhood! There are WAY to many kids going astray these days, getting into drugs, gangs, teen pregancy and whatnots. IF the parents would SUPPORT their child, spend some QUALITY time, get INVOLVED with the child(s) LIFE and STOP trying to “live it” for them, AND letting the child be themselves..maybe the numbers would decline?!?!

No, youth sports may not be for EVERY child, but, I think that each child should be given the choice to experince those fields and see whats out there for them! Than for the parents to just stamp it with a NO, because of the “time”, “effort” and “money” that it MAY require. Regardless if the child is 5 or 18, they should atleast have the OPTION.

Once your child has gone off to college or wherever he/she may end up, you’ll have PLENTY of “time” to enojoy YOUR bon bons!

Upwards is a WONDERFUL, cheaper way to allow your kids to have that experience, atleast…give them that, should they show the interest! My hats off to “JohhnyG” WTG!

By Julie

August 13, 2008 12:59 PM | Link to this

I’m with you, Sugar!!

By Disgusted

August 13, 2008 1:07 PM | Link to this

If you really want to see the ugly side of youth sports that is disgusting you should have been with me this past weekend at Oregon Park in Cobb County for tryouts for 2 10 year old traveling baseball teams. My son has played Upward baseball, soccer and basketball and really had good experiences. However he wanted to play at a more competitive level so one of his friends asked him to come to Oregon Park to tryout for the teams. What a circus. We were from outside the park but it was obvious as soon as we arrived that this was not the kind of environment we were interested in getting involved in. You would have thought wew were at a political convention the way one of the coaches was working the parents telling players and parents that if they signed up for both team tryouts he would not condsider their son for his team. Then before the tryouts ended a parent went on the field and got into the face of this same coach requiring a Board member to separate them. Meanwhile off the field moms were yelling at each other and crying. What a spectacle for the kids. My recommendation is stay away from Oregon Park baseball. We are going back to Upward.

By Amazed - I'm a Troll Get off my Bridge!!!!

August 13, 2008 1:08 PM | Link to this

Julie have my baby?

By Lisa Love

August 13, 2008 1:15 PM | Link to this

I went to a large public high school (80’s) where football trumped all. Our high school was too large and really should have been separated into two schools, one for the county and one for city (I grew up in a small town), but the locals would not hear of it because we would loose our football AAAAA standing. So the kids and education suffered so we could remain in the top league. And that’s not saying anything about the cheerleaders who thought they were better then everyone else. Ugh! I am so glad my kids go to a private school where there is no football or cheerlearders. I also made a point of going to a university (Emory) where there was no football. And, no, that’s not the only reason I went there. I have three daughters and never would I send them to classes so they could learn to bump and grind in mini skirts while a bunch of jarheads run up and down the field. They are worth more than that.

By lovin life

August 13, 2008 1:25 PM | Link to this

eve sounds like a real joy to be around

By TaraKaye

August 13, 2008 2:14 PM | Link to this

I think it’s amusing that some posters have accused parents who do not enroll their children in youth sports of being unwilling to sacrifice the time and money for their kid. One of the reasons we have decided against youth sports is that we want to have plenty of time with our children. We want them to spend their evenings throwing a football in the backyard with their dad and bonding with him. It’s the total opposite of not being willing to make the time commitment.

Also, to clarify, I was not saying that a child has to play D1 sports to use athletics as a means to affordable education. Of course you can play at a smaller school. But they usually have fewer scholarships. And more importantly, my point was simply that the investment in private lessons, intense youth leagues, etc. is not worth it. A child can start playing middle school ball when they’re 12 and still be plenty good enough to earn a scholarship to a smaller school. Unless of course he’s done nothing but sit on the couch up until then.

By KENNY

August 13, 2008 2:56 PM | Link to this

HEY,ATTENTION ALL OF YOU PREPPY TYPES COMMENTING ON THIS BLOG,YOU KNOW, THE ONES THAT NEVER PLAYED SPORTS WHEN YOU WERE A KID, YOU KNOW WHO YOU ARE. GET A LIFE, PLEASE,3 TIMES A WEEK, IS TOO MUCH FOR YOUR KIDS. YOUTH SPORTS CAN HELP YOUR KIDS IN SO MANY DIFFERENT WAYS.I HAVE A QUESTION TO THE REPORTER OF THIS STORY, IT CLASHES WITH YOUR CHURCH SCHEDULE, HOW MANY NIGHTS A WEEK OR WEEKENDS DO YOU GO TO CHURCH ? ALSO, ALL THE PARENTS THAT DISAGREE WITH YOUTH SPORTS, I BET YOU HOME SCHOOL YOUR KIDS, DON’T CHA!!!!!

By Eve

August 13, 2008 3:57 PM | Link to this

lovin life

Well excuse me for merely voicing my opinion.

Did I miss your words of wisdom or are you just lurking to take pot shots at people you don’t agree with?

By lovin life

August 13, 2008 4:15 PM | Link to this

Hmm eve, I think that you were quite strong in making fun of a group of young lady athletes and making rude comments about them. I would never call that merely voicing my opinon.
I think that you are the one taking pot shots.
I am a regular on this board and was going to keep quiet because so many people had already voiced my opinion.
I was a cheerleader, a soccer player, and a basket ball player. Before HS cheerleading I also played softball. Cheerleading was just as hard and just as intense as all of my other sports. E is now 5 and in Kidergarten. She will do soccer again this fall and again in the spring, but next fall we will probably start cheering. (she is just dying to). She also does ballet, biweekly art classes and in the summer Karate.
Eve I would love to see you do backflips, back handsprings, then some of these three man high stunts. It is hard work, and takes a lot of focus.
I have found that usually people who make fun of cheerleaders and say it is not a sport have A. never cheered, and B. are JEALOUS. just merely voicing my opinion

By lovin life

August 13, 2008 4:16 PM | Link to this

Hmm eve, I think that you were quite strong in making fun of a group of young lady athletes and making rude comments about them. I would never call that merely voicing my opinon.
I think that you are the one taking pot shots.
I am a regular on this board and was going to keep quiet because so many people had already voiced my opinion.
I was a cheerleader, a soccer player, and a basket ball player. Before HS cheerleading I also played softball. Cheerleading was just as hard and just as intense as all of my other sports. E is now 5 and in Kidergarten. She will do soccer again this fall and again in the spring, but next fall we will probably start cheering. (she is just dying to). She also does ballet, biweekly art classes and in the summer Karate.
Eve I would love to see you do backflips, back handsprings, then some of these three man high stunts. It is hard work, and takes a lot of focus.
I have found that usually people who make fun of cheerleaders and say it is not a sport have A. never cheered, and B. are JEALOUS. just merely voicing my opinion

By disgusted

August 13, 2008 4:17 PM | Link to this

Hey Kenny,

Grad another Bud from the frig and watch your NASCAR reruns on the SPEED channel.

By Eve

August 13, 2008 4:37 PM | Link to this

It was never my intention to come across as jealous - again just stating how I feel.

As I’ve said before, I was raised in a country that doesn’t have cheerleading and where girls were encouraged to participate in sports. Which I did, all through school, college, (and I still play when I have time) - football (soccer), camogie, field hockey, Gaelic football, tennis, swimming, and track & field all kept me very busy.

I have two daughters of my own, one of whom play football. The other’s a bookworm and would rather read than breathe but I won’t force them to do an activity they don’t enjoy - after they’ve at least tried it.

My own first-hand experience of cheerleading involves my niece and her little friends. The caked-on makeup, the non-existant skirts, the leering older men at the games…….that’s where I’m basing my opinions on.

By Denise

August 13, 2008 5:51 PM | Link to this

I am not a parent but I have 2 so I thought I’d weigh in from the child’s perspective. My brother and I were involved in sports growing up - him more than me because he had more ability than I did. He played soccer, football, baseball, and ran track. I played volleyball and softball and danced. (I was a far better dancer than a batter!) I never felt like we were overwhelmed by the level of activity. We had 2 parents who supported us. I played sports only with my schools but my brother was in soccer, football, and baseball leagues as well as school teams. Going to his games was a family outing not a burden. He and I both had fun and grew into ourselves without screaming parents and coaches or extravagent amounts of money. It was FUN. My brother has 2 sons - 7 and 5. They played soccer 2 summers ago. The league for their age group didn’t keep score. The kids had a ball. We “fans” had a ball. No stress. They learned some skills and had fun. That’s what I think children in sports need to focus on. Grow into a great ball player, dancer, cheerleader, etc. but don’t have an ulcer at 7 because you missed a goal!

By Katy

August 13, 2008 5:59 PM | Link to this

I don’t know whether to sympathize with the parents or laugh. “The rigors of kindergarten” Are you kidding me? If they were given the freedom in their chosen preschool, the child would be naturally ready and beyond. My children leave my class reading chapter books and doing long division —-at 5 yrs. old and it’s not because I require it, it is because they love learning. I am so shocked that parents/schools think that their children should be able to sit and should sit for hours at a time. The brain works through movement. This was studied and scientifically proven by Dr. Maria Montessori. Public schools do not take child’s developmental, social, moral or emotional dimensions into consideration at all. If a child who can’t concentrate is allowed to jump rope, swing etc, they will be able to sit for 20 minutes to learn multiplication at 4 years old. If we develop the whole child, the academics fall into place. Children need movement in order to learn. Instead the schools force them to sit at a desk and then want to diagnose them ADD. Montessori classrooms allow for movement and all the children succeed. There are no tests and no grades. The method is the only curriculum that has survived 100 years and used more than ever—-even by many public schools. I am not saying that children are smarter if they attend a Montessori school but learn in a different way. The children are in charge of their education and will push themselves much harder than a teacher would and will do the work because of intrinsic motivation rather than a grade. Our 6th graders scored college level on standardized testing. It takes the public schools $9000 to educate and Montessori $7000. We have many families on scholarships. I was never against public education until I moved to Georgia. 49th or 50th in the nation. If that isn’t enough to remove your child from the system, I don’t know what is. 200,000 kids in ONE county and you think your child isn’t just a number. I’ve heard many excuses…if it is financial, there are many scholarships available. If it is that “I went to public school and I turned out OK…” Well I don’t want my child to be OK. I want him to be happy and outstanding! If your child has special needs, the public schools are admitting that they can’t provide by giving vouchers. Yes the state does pay for private education because they can’t do it. There isn’t a child in the world that Montessori doesn’t work for—-diagnosed or not. I am ranting because I am passionate about the subject….I won’t even touch No Child Left Behind other than Montessori was the original NCLB. We do it and it works—-no child is left behind because we educate the human potential. Parents, please, just do your research and don’t let your child just be OK.

By Lisa Love

August 13, 2008 6:14 PM | Link to this

KENNY- or MR ALLCAPS- I for one am not opposed to youth sports. I think it in very important for kids to stay active fit and make friends and sports is a great way to do all three. However, I am opposed to the social superiority that some football players and cheerleaders feel that they have and I am also opposed to over-scheduling children. Kids should have free time for homework, imiginative play and downtime. A kid who has a scheduled event/practice more than 2 days a week and is under the age of 12 is absolutely overscheduled. Sorry, but that’s how I feel. A child does not have to be signed up for lessons or for a team sport to be active. Turn off the TV, get out the bicycles and scooters and backyard hoops and have fun!!

By lakerat

August 14, 2008 7:23 AM | Link to this

Hey Katy -

Try to keep up - you read one blog topic and respond on another blog containing a totally different topic! Not a very good way to preach the virtues of your educational curriculum choice when you, as the parent making the choice, cannot keep up with the “class” to whom your thoughts are directed!

By Been There

August 14, 2008 8:14 AM | Link to this

I have 3 kids, 2 in HS one in middle. They have all played sports since they were 4. Is it taxing? Yes, I think that is the reason why so many don’t participate.

I also worked in the school system, I will tell you this from observation. The kids that participated were better socially then the kids that did not.

It’s not about being the best, it’s about being part of something with your peers. Over the years I have seen kids come together from different communities and schools form friendships that have lasted beyond the activity and have endured through the years. My youngest plays travel baseball and he has friends from all over metro Georgia.

Do some parents get over the top? Sure, you’re going to find that whether it’s a cheerleading squad or a science competition. That’s life.

If your kids have a desire to try something give it a shot. As for cheerleading being stupid, I’ll be sure to mention that to some of the girls I know who now cheer for Alabama and UGA.

And for the commentor who said they will wait to middle school, good luck. Whether right or wrong, it is really hard for kids to step into sports that old, especially when the others have been playing for years. I know many adult athletes, both professional and D1 who cannot believe the level of play they see in the younger kids.

By Been There

August 14, 2008 8:35 AM | Link to this

TaraKaye, we have bonded as a FAMILY through sports. My husband always coached each child, we attended games as a family, my kids made friends with siblings of players, no matter what sport we were doing at the time. We made great friendships that have endured 10 yrs and moves to other areas. The positives far outweigh the negatives.

By Sports Are Good

August 14, 2008 11:40 AM | Link to this

Both my children played organized sports starting with rec. leagues, travel leagues, AAU, all-star squads. My son played football, soccer, baseball, basketball,golf, you name it he probably played it. My daughter played softball and was a cheerleader. Each one went on to the higher levels of competition which meant more travel time for the family. We treated those trips as a mini-vacation. It was a family activity when each child played. Usually one parent would be a coach or a team mom or some capacity of team involvement. They learned so much in order to make them a better adult. It kept them not only in good physical condition but also good mental condition. Sports was never forced on either one but they thrieved for it.
Sports keep your child from wondering the streets and getting into trouble.
My children are now 28 and 26 and neither has been in trouble with the law. My oldest is now in the Air Force as a Pararescuer and my youngest is working with children with handicaps.

By KENNY

August 14, 2008 12:29 PM | Link to this

HEY DISGUSTED AND LISA LOVE, I DON’T WATCH NASCAR(HATE IT) AND I DO NOT DRINK. I CAPATILIZE TO GET YOUR ATTENTION AND IT WORKS

By Prootwadl

August 14, 2008 5:33 PM | Link to this

Sports should be a sidelight at an educational institution, but it seems like many schools down here (at all levels) focus as much if not more on their sports teams as they do on their academics.

If Johnny can’t read and isn’t drafted into the NFL, nobody is going to care that Johnny was a really good running back for Pudunk Middle School, and he’ll end up collecting welfare checks instead of contributing to society.

Great plan, guys…

By gadawgfan

August 25, 2008 10:30 AM | Link to this

I have to say from experience, if you wait until middle school for your child to enter ANY sport, he or she will be very, very behind the majority. If your child is truly interested, it is worth the time and money to start early in any sport.

By busymom

August 28, 2008 12:06 PM | Link to this

Youth sports are for the kids. Find out what it’s about, talk to your kids and see if they really want to participate, and then support them. Sometimes you don’t know what’s really involved until you do it. Take it as a lesson and then decide if you want to have your child participate the next time. It is demanding especially if you have more than one child and they’re also involved in activities. Ultimately, it’s not about you anymore. You, as the parent, make the final decision on what your child will participate in. Determine what will be best suited for them as well as the rest of the family. It’s supposed to be FUN! For the record, there are quite a few home schooled kids that participate in sports leagues including mine. It seems that folks just want to rant and not really make a worth-while contribution to the discussion. Listening and being able to agree to disagree is how people learn from one another. Blogs just turn into a bunch of one-sided arguing. Thanks for the subject anyway! It was interesting.

By katie

September 18, 2008 11:46 AM | Link to this

im a cheerleader for glens falls, it does take alot of time and it can be fustrating but in the end it is worth the time and effort, at my school we spend about 300 a year on cheerleading.. its worth it though