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.