Sometimes we need to consider some of the "other" aspects of why we put our kids into sports programs. First and foremost we must consider the quality of the program, how many years they have existed?...look at their website, their social media pages, look through their pictures? Most of our local community programs are run by adult "volunteers." Never underestimate the heart of a volunteer? They have an extreme passion for the sport they volunteer for, and the most pride for the community they represent. If you focus on this...."What do I get for the money I pay?" Please consider some of these non-material qualities...

“People always asked "Why do you pay so much money for your kid to do sports”? Well, I have a confession to make; I don't pay for my kid to do sports. Personally, I couldn't care less about what sport he does.

So, if I am not paying for sports what am I paying for? …

• I pay for those moments when my kid becomes so tired he wants to quit but doesn’t
• I pay for those days when my kid comes home from school and is “too tired" to go to his training but he goes anyway.
• I pay for my kid to learn to be disciplined, focused and dedicated.
• I pay for my kid to learn to take care of his body and learn how to correctly fuel his body for success.
• I pay for my kid to learn to work with others and to be a good teammate, gracious in defeat and humble in success.
• I pay for my kid to learn to deal with disappointment, when they don’t get that placing or title they'd hoped for, but still, they go back week after week giving it their best shot.
• I pay for my kid to learn to make and accomplish goals.
• I pay for my kid to respect, not only themselves, but others, officials, judges and coaches.
• I pay for my kid to learn that it takes hours and hours, years and years of hard work and practice to create a champion and that success does not happen overnight.
• I pay for my kid to be proud of small achievements, and to work towards long term goals.
• I pay for the opportunity my child has and will have to make life-long friendships, create lifelong memories, to be as proud of his achievements as I am.
• I pay so that my child can be in the gym instead of in front of a screen...
• I pay for those rides home where we make precious memories talking about practice, both good and bad.
• I pay so that my child can learn the importance of time management and balancing what is important like school and keeping grades up
• I could go on but, to be short, I don't pay for sports; I pay for the opportunities that sports provide my kid with to develop attributes that will serve him well throughout his life and give him the opportunity to bless the lives of others. From what I have seen so far, I think it is a great investment!”