New grant set to help parents deal with financial burden for youth sports
For a number of parents, it's their dream to allow their children to play youth sports, but getting kids involved can be expensive. (WSYX)
Columbus, OHIO (WSYX) — For a number of parents, it's their dream to allow their children to play youth sports, but getting kids involved can be expensive.
Players Health is a national company aiming to help ease the financial stress by offering micro-grants to parents. According to Players Health, the average cost annually for one kid to play one sport is $693.
"It just costs more to put a kid on the court, field or ice than it used it," Players Health CEO Tyrre Burks said.
One factor that's adding to the uptick in costs is registration fees. The company is offering 75 grants to parents to help cover the annual cost of $693.
"For a lot of parents, there's planning that has to go into play and to make that opportunity possible for their kids," Burks said.
Burks said their goal is to help create opportunities that many parents want for their kids.
"See what's possible with the sport that they love because we know that's just going to be the beginning of where they begin to dream and think about what could happen in their life as they continue to do what they love to do," Burks said.
But Players Health isn't the only group aiming to help parents.
Final Third Foundation is based in Central Ohio.
"Final Third Foundation believes that soccer can be a catalyst to build a better generation," founder Ben Levey said.
Levey grew up playing soccer and finds importance in finding an even playing field for more children throughout.
"Keep that price at a nominal fee with our programs and also provide scholarships and subsidized costs for organizations and communities that need it," he said.
Both groups hope their efforts not only help parents but assist in building a brighter future for kids.
"It's very important for these kids to have these extracurricular activities, teamwork, leadership," Levey said.
Burks said their efforts can help society as a whole.
"The more accessible sports are, the better our society is long term because those kids are getting, they're getting more confidence. They're getting more problem solving, they're learning how to fail, they're learning how to win," Burks said.
To find out more about Players Health and their grant, click here. For more information about the Final Third Foundation, click here.
