Numbers from 50-plus districts in nine counties paint a complicated picture, with parents often paying hundreds of dollars just to get their kids on teams.
At its best, youth sports promotes teamwork and teaches young athletes priceless life lessons.
But, youth sports come with a price.
“It’s not really cheap by any means but as a parent,” admits Amanda Kelly, a parent in the Plain Local School district in Canton. “I want to see my kids grow.”
Kelly is a mother of five young athletes. Her oldest son Tony, is a senior at GlenOak High School, where he plays both soccer and football in the fall. Tony is a high-level athlete with aspirations of playing collegiately.
Between equipment, club sports and travel, the family believes sports has turned into a five-figure investment. But watching her kids develop is a perfect pay off.
“I want them to know teamwork. I want them to have something that they can commit to,” Kelly explained. “Dedication, obviously is …