Opinion

Are travel teams really worth it?

Posted December 13, 2014 4:01 am

A local team competed for the Pop Warner Championships. My first response is congratulations to the young athletes who have worked so hard to get there. Second response: This is one of those Onion hoaxes, right? Who sends a 10-year-old to Florida to play football?

Unfortunately, parents are sending their 10- to 15-year-olds all over the country to play all types of sports. Young athletes are being asked to practice 16 to 20 hours a week for various club/travel teams in exchange for a chance at a college scholarship.

For the few that receive them, great! For the tens of thousands of kids subjected to these programs who end up burning out, hating the sport, or not receiving "the letter," don't shed too many tears. Instead, ask the parents "Was in really worth it?

Kevin Ritchie

Wheaton

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