Why Play Youth Hockey?

Youth hockey is a fun and exciting game that is really taking hold across the United States. Here are a few reasons why your child would love playing youth hockey. First of all, team sports of any kind are great for building confidence, coordination, and lasting friendships. Youth hockey is a great team sport in that it helps young children to learn focus, following directions, cooperation, and of course, physical fitness. Plus kids love to play on the ice and receiving a hockey trophy. Hockey combines a host of skills, using the hockey stick to hit the puck, skating, and cooperating with your teammates.

What about all of that gear? If your child plays football, then you are already familiar with all of the gear that they need in order to play. However, with football, especially in warmer climates, the kids are carrying all of that heavy gear in sweltering heat. Heat safety is a huge concern for youth football. On the other hand, hockey rinks are cold. Your child might be covered from head to toe, but you do not have to worry about summer temperatures combined with heavy gear. Kids will get hot while playing, but given a chance for a break, they cool off quickly.

How much does it cost? Again, youth hockey does require a lot of gear. If cost is an issue, talk with moms of older kids and see if they are selling used gear. Many hockey leagues host equipment sales for that exact purpose. You may be asked to contribute a fee to help provide hockey trophies to the team. Depending on your local league, you may qualify for financial assistance. Finally, many rinks offer equipment rental so that you do not have to purchase it year after year.  

Hockey is a growing sport and many kids and parents are finding it to be fun and rewarding. Sportsmanship, physical fitness, and friendships are just a few of the benefits. Everyone gets hockey trophy at the end of season. For kids, the focus should be on fun and they will not even realize all of the additional benefits they are getting from joining a Youth Hockey team. 

Youth Soccer Facts

Are you a parent who is interested in enrolling your child in a Youth Soccer program? Many parents want to get their child involved in youth soccer even if they did not have a chance to play team sports as a children. Here is an overview of youth soccer enrollment, equipment, soccer trophies and soccer awards.

Youth Soccer can be a year round sport. Usually youth soccer leagues offer both a Fall and a Spring time program with a break during the cold Winter months. For that reason, it is relatively easy to find a youth soccer league in your area with plenty of room for your child to join, no matter what age group. Youth soccer can start as early as age 3 and go up to age 18 in many leagues. All players are eligible for participation soccer trophies.

If you are planning to enroll your child you will need to bring a soccer ball, shin guards, soccer shoes, and bottled water. Your child may by practicing about two times per week, so be sure that you allot the time necessary to attend soccer practice. Younger children, U-6, or under age 6, do not need cleats. For them, sneakers are usually fine. Your older child's coach will let you know if your child needs to have a pair of cleats. Some leagues charge a fee for the soccer trophy.

PE Funding Cuts? Youth Sports Are An Alternative

Across the country, public school districts are cutting PE funding. Kids need time out of the school day to play and process what they have learned. Physical activity is a fundamental part of learning and of life. However, many school districts are finding it difficult to meet government standards for classroom size and test scores. In order to meet standards while facing budget cuts, many schools are cutting arts and Physical Education programs. If your child has no opportunity to play sports at school, you may consider finding local Youth Sports programs in your community to take the place of school funded activities.

Youth Sports such as youth tennis, youth basketball, youth soccer, and youth football give your child a chance to work with a team and be physically active. Youth sports are great for building your child's self esteem and building friendships. You can get involved in your community Youth Sports programs and meet the parents and coaches who influence your child. Many home-school families get involved in youth sports in order to make friendships and get the kids out of the house.

Often community based youth sports programs are free or offer a sliding scale payment method. When I volunteered as an assistant coach on my son's soccer team, I was able to enroll both of my children in Youth Soccer for free. If cost is a concern, you should talk with the coach. Usually youth sports programs will make an effort to help you to enroll your child if you are not able to afford the enrollment fee. Don't worry if your school cuts PE! Take matters into your own hands and enroll child into your community youth sports teams.

Youth Basketball for Fitness and Fun

Youth Basketball is a great way for kids to stay active and healthy during the colder months of the year. Basketball is a very intense sport. Players are running up and down the court during the course of their on the court time. For this reason, basketball is great for high energy kids. Nothing like a day of running and playing a team sport with friends to wear them out at the end of the day. Basketball is a great way to help your kids develop coordination. It's not all about the basketball trophy! Basketball teaches character development, athleticism, and good sportsmanship. Your child will also learn the basics of the game, defensive, and offensive concepts. 

Youth basketball coaches are trained to teach children the basics of the game along with teamwork and a positive attitude. You can expect your child to learn a whole list of skills when joining a youth basketball team. And of course, all kids love to get that basketball trophy at the end of the season. Your child's youth basketball coach will teach the following skills

• Athleticism
• Ball Handling
• Passing
• Footwork
• Lay Ups
• Shooting
• Basic Offensive Concepts
• Basic Defensive Concepts

Your child can get involved in Youth Basketball and develop a lasting enjoyment of physical activity while making friends and having fun! They will also receive a basketball trophy! Fitness and teamwork are important life skills. Kids who learn early are more likely to become active healthy adults. Get your child off of the couch and involved in youth sports!