Guest Author - Susan Thompson
There are many options when it comes to choosing extra curricular activities for your children. In this article, I will outline some of these options to help make your decision easier.
Fall sports
These sports last from August approximately through late October, or Early November. Most of these sports are run by town/city recreation departments. Many of these sports have separate girls and boys’ teams.
Football – Flag or tackle versions are available in most areas. Depending on the coach, practice is usually 3 – 4 nights per week. Football builds strength and endurance, and teaches the fundamentals of the game and sportsmanship. The league provides most equipment. Price to play varies from league to league.
Cheerleading – Cheerleading has become the sport of choice for thousands of girls worldwide. Gone are the days of just sideline cheers and individuals. Those things have been replaced with acrobatics and airborne stunts that can put your heart in your throat just watching. This sport teaches coordination, balance, sportsmanship, and team spirit. Most sports offer cheerleading, or your daughter may want to participate in competition cheerleading, which is usually run out of your local YMCA or Gymnastics academy. Be sure the coaches are certified if stunts are included in regular routines.
Soccer – Most areas have a girl’s and boy’s soccer league, some have just a coed league. Soccer is a very good aerobic sport with lots of running involved. You will want to purchase shin guards and probably a mouthpiece to protect your child from injury.
Winter Sports
Usually start in December and run through March
Basketball – Again there are usually separate leagues for boys and girls. Other than sneakers, no special equipment is required to play.
Swimming – Your local YMCA can inform you of swim teams that are in your area. Usually a swim cap, goggles, and racing suit are needed for this sport. This sport is good for kids who are better at individual sports vs. team sport.
Wrestling – Mostly a boy sport, wrestling is becoming a very popular sport. In our area, wrestling involves a lot of weekend travel, so you may want to check out the schedule before committing. The uniform for wrestling is called a slinglet ant there are special mat shoes for wrestling.
Gymnastics – This is a winter sport in the high schools, but at the local academy, it is probably September through May. The equipment needed for gymnastics is a body suit, sweat suit, and some gyms require mat shoes or peds.
Spring Sports
Usually run from March through June
Baseball – Most town recreation departments have baseball leagues the age range is usually five and up. The only equipment needed is a baseball glove and cleats. You can of course purchase extras such as batting gloves and your own personal helmet.
Softball – Mostly geared towards girls. Softball is growing in popularity thanks to the US Olympic team. Again, your child will need a glove and cleats. You may want to purchase slider shorts and a protective shin guard if the uniform is shorts and the league allows sliding.
Non-Sport Activities
Scouting for boys and girls is offered in all areas of the country. These groups offer learning activities, which are age appropriate. The children do activities to learn different skills and earn badges. The activities range from computer concepts to gardening to camping. There usually is something for everyone. Scouting has great social benefits for kids, helping them to work with others and help other people. These skills are invaluable, as children get older.
Remember, the people who coach or run after school activities are usually volunteers. So if you have extra time and you are willing, volunteer to help. Most people who volunteer will not turn down help.
