CHAMPAIGN, IL (Chambana Today) – Summer is here, and with it comes the summer sports season. What used to be a few activities to choose from, like Little League baseball and softball, swimming at local clubs, and going to a camp or two, has now evolved into a myriad of opportunities. With the emergence of the Amateur Athletic Union (AAU) and travel ball (though I’m not entirely sure I understand the difference), the parents of our young athletes are demonstrating unparalleled dedication. They attend not just local events but also travel across the country with gear galore to support their children’s passion for sports.
My daughters aren’t yet old enough to be involved in any travel/AAU sports, whichever you want to call it. So, as it stands, I am just an observer of the summer travel sports life. And I tell ya… my friends and family need a good pat on the back for all the running and spending (time and money) they’ve endured – that’s not to say they don’t pat each other’s backs. From what I gather, there “ain’t no party like a travel ball parent party.” That being said, it’s a lot. And most seem to be in it for the sake of their kids and not vicarious victories. That’s important. The truth is, for many of the kids, the experience of seeing new towns, fields/gyms, bonding with their teammates, staying overnight, eating out, etc., is more enjoyable than the sports themselves. There’s definitely value in those experiences.
A shoutout really needs to go out to any parent finding ways to include their kids in any activity they enjoy. Sports or not, things aren’t cheap. Time demands are genuine and make life hectic. No matter what activity, amount, level, organized or not, if you’re supporting your kids’ interests as best you can, you get a hearty thumbs up. Rest assured, from the little research I did on this topic (remember, I’m an “average” sports fan), there seems to be no definite correlation between participating in AAU/travel ball and gaining a college scholarship or going pro. Doing whatever its within your means is enough.
Ultimately, the most important thing a parent – sports or not – provides to their children is unwavering support for their interests. Whether their children are destined for greatness or are just Average Joe/Jane, this support truly matters. It reassures them that their interests are valid and that they have a strong foundational support system, the perfect ingredients for… here it comes… winning at the game of life.