As any parent who has been around the Edmond pee wee athletic circuit can tell you, the wide world of kid sports is something to behold these days.
Drive by the Service-Blake soccer complex on Danforth any Saturday in the Fall.
Literally hundreds of kids, ages five to 14, are running up and down the grassed fields trying to score a goal. How about finding a parking spot at Mitch Park some October evening when hundreds of youngsters are blocking and tackling each other. Drive by the corner of Kelly and Covell some Saturday in March.You will be amazed at how many kids are taken to and playing lacrosse.
In the United States it is estimated that over 30 million children (ages 6-14) participate in some form of organized sporting endeavor. The sports culture has become so big and so American, that it even has a strong hold on our children. The Edmond community is no different.
Parents are willing to spend sometimes large sums of money to insure their kids are enjoying their sports experience. Estimates have it that many families spend at LEAST $1,000 a year on sports related expenses for their children. Some I have talked with think this is a very low figure, especially if you have a child who is in an “elite program.” Uniforms, equipment, team fees, travel expenses all add up to a lot of cash. That doesn’t even include (heaven forbid) if your child has a personal trainer.
Why, you may ask, do we spend this kind of money on our kids play? It is very simple, we love them. Most parents want what is best for their children. They understand that sports provide a wide variety of physical, social and psychological benefits. Benefits such as helping kids develop motor skills, making friends, getting needed exercise, learning team work and social skills, understanding fair play and sportsmanship and improving self-esteem. Who wouldn’t shell out extra money in hopes that their child could gain these benefits?
The big question to ask is: How can I afford to keep my kids playing. What about those that have more than one child competing at the same time. GULP! $$$$$$$
High-end gear like ultralight $640 Easton Stealth S15 composite skates will not make your child play like Gretzky. Nor will a $250 pair of sneakers allow them to jump and run any faster. Paying $150-$200 for a bat made of new alloys and composites will not enable your child to hit like Barry Bonds.
Here are some tips coaches and parents have shared with me in order to cut costs in buying sports gear.
Try and shop for seconds. There are a lot of things you can get second hand that will save you a bundle. I'm not talking about old beat up stuff, but barely used gear you can find at second hand stores, yard sales, newspaper ads, and online sites such as Craigslist and eBay. You will be surprised to see how much stuff, that has only been used a few times, is available. (Be careful if you are going to buy equipment that needs to be fitted and is used to help keep your child safe.)
How about selling some of your childs outgrown gear or equipment they don’t use anymore. You can sell that stuff in the same areas that we have mentioned above. Selling could give you money to off-set buying.
Ask your coach for a list of players who are no longer playing for whatever reasons. Sometimes they have slightly used equipment they may have outgrown or no longer use. Swapping and reselling their equipment could be a benefit to them as well.
Part of the problem with the high cost is the parents. Even with the economic downturn, adults find comfort in the world of children’s games. Parents seem to want their kids to have extra when average works just as well.
Few kids have the DNA of Ashley and Courtney Paris, Eli Manning, or Patrick Ewing Jr. Many parents, however, think and hope their young athletes can compete on an elite level by over spending on equipment.
Thought for the week: “Sometimes it is not the bow or the arrow….but the Indian."
Sports Opinion
February 7, 2009
CORTESE: Ways to keep costs down in sports
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My 2010 moment
First off, I’d like to thank the Edmond sporting community for accepting me into their fold, or at least accepting me as much as possible for a journalist. It has been a great five-and a half months and I’ve had the opportunity to witness some prime time moments while at The Sun.
- SPRUIL: Woods scandal not that shocking Charles Barkley warned us about it in 1993. Professional athletes should not be role models.
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SPRUILL: Woods scandal not so shocking
Charles Barkley warned us about it in 1993. Professional athletes should not be role models.
Sir Charles gave us this gem back then stating, “A million guys can dunk a basketball in jail, should they be role models?”
Just can’t do it. I remember vividly the day I learned this valuable lesson, it was when I got my copy of Sports Illustrated with Sooner quarterback Charles Thompson being ushered to jail in his infamous orange jumpsuit. - HARRISON : It’s time for some hoops With Bedlam in the rearview mirror and talk of freezing temperatures and possible snow this week it can only mean one thing. The winter sports season is upon us.
- SPRUIL: 'Dogs have nothing to lose Bulldogs have a chance to break another streak, which is to attempt to end the east sides dominance — Jenks and Union have combined to win 13 straight Class 6A state titles.
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SPRUILL: UCO loaded for another run
No. 18-ranked Central Oklahoma appears to be loaded for another deep run in the NCAA Division II tournament.
It’s only November and the Bronchos have only played one game, but what they showed against Emporia State in a 116-114 double-overtime win was incredible. -
SPRUIL: Playoff picture still cloudy
With most of the district’s already decided — a few key matchups still remain — it’s time to start looking at the playoff picture.
We know Edmond Memorial, Edmond North and Oklahoma Christian are in the playoffs. Deer Creek is on life support, while Oklahoma Christian Academy and Edmond Santa Fe are done for the year following Friday night. -
SPRUILL: OU's Bradford still livin' the dream
There’s still no guarantee that Oklahoma quarterback Sam Bradford will play this season. But Sooner fan or not, you have to love the Heisman Trophy winner’s attitude.
His first start could come this week against Baylor, or it could be against Texas. You will not hear any crying from Bradford, though, that is for certain.
The media has questioned his decision about coming back. He could have been the No. 1 pick in the NFL Draft, instead he gets injured in the opener and now his future is in question.
But what seems so shocking to some across the country, really isn’t that shocking at all. Bradford is living his dream. The dream of any former high school star in the state of Oklahoma that wants to play in either Stillwater or Norman. - HARRISON: Local teams draw favorable regional assignments With the end of the regular season fast approaching, local softball teams are turning their attention towards next week’s regional tournaments. While Edmond Santa Fe is the only squad that will be at home next week, all four teams have a legitimate shot at state.
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SPRUILL: Edmond recovering from split
Things are shaping up for another great football season for local teams.
As it stands, Edmond still has two undefeated teams in Edmond North and Oklahoma Christian School. And there are signs the big three have reached a near full recovery from the spit. - More Sports Opinion Headlines
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My 2010 moment
