HOUSTON – Research shows that sports not only boost children’s physical health, but it can also protect and even improve the mental health of children, especially those in disadvantaged communities.
However, the cost of children’s sports has increased significantly over the years, and many families cannot afford it.
An organization called Every Kid Sports is working to change that and bring relief to thousands of Houston-area families by paying for sports for every child.
“Football is one of the things I’m most looking forward to because it’s one of the things I love,” said eighth-grader Alona Workman.
Other sports related articles
Sisters Kamea and Alona Workman kick the ball around with their brother. They love playing sports and watching him play.
“My two sisters are now reaching a competitive level and it’s so awesome to see their competitive spirit. They get knocked down and they get back up,” her older sister, Kamea Workman, said.
Five of his six brothers and sisters now have access to recreational sports thanks to an organization called Every Kid Sports.
But it wasn’t always this way.
“It costs $850 to get everyone to play,” said father Joseph Workman.
“It all adds up to at least $150 per child, plus uniforms,” said mother Erica Workman.
Joseph and Erica Workman say their family was on a tight budget and couldn’t afford college tuition, so they started looking for other options.
“I think their club, Klein Soccer Club, recommended Every Kid Sports to them,” Erica Workman said.
“If we can help families have the opportunity to play, not just one child, but three or even six, then they’re more likely to get together on the weekends and play soccer, lacrosse, volleyball or whatever,” said Eleana Fanaica, executive director of Every Kid Sports.
See also: Rise in Tommy John surgeries in Houston-area youth baseball highlights growing concern from medical experts and coaches
Every Kid Sports provides eligible families with financial assistance for their children’s sports expenses for up to three seasons per year.
“Joining a recreational team may be a child’s only opportunity to be active. When we play and move, our bodies tell us physiologically that we feel better, enjoy our day and have a better outlook,” Fanaika added.
“The process is super easy and it usually takes about two weeks to get approved and the funds are automatically deposited into the app. It feels like a huge weight is on our shoulders and this is a total weight lifted off our shoulders,” said mother Erica Workman.
“The teamwork, the effort they put in, the rewards they get, they know what it’s like to win, they know what it’s like to lose. It’s good to see them running around and playing and just having fun and learning from this experience,” said their father, Joseph Workman.
“Playing sports not only gives children the opportunity to reap these benefits, but we also know from our conversations with families that it makes a difference to the whole family,” Fanaika said.
Children are eligible if they currently receive Medicaid, SNAP or WIC benefits and are between the ages of 4 and 18.
For more information, visit the Every Kid Sports website. Registration is currently open.
If you don’t get accepted on the first day you apply, we recommend that you apply again the next day.
Every Kid Sports has already helped over 4,000 Houston kids participate in over 18 different sports.
Copyright 2024 by KPRC Click2Houston – All Rights Reserved.
