Why Every Child Should Have The Opportunity To Play Ball

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This Globe and Mail headline says it all: “kids in organized sport can cost you thousands”. Between equipment, transportation, facility rentals, uniforms and club membership, the cost for participation in sports denies some kids the opportunity to play.

And high costs is just one of the many possible reasons beyond a child’s control that forces some kids to sit on the sidelines.

Believing that every child should have the chance to play ball, owners of the Vancouver Canadians started the Vancouver Canadians Baseball Foundation (VCBF). This summer, the VCBF mini league is giving three hundred kids baseball equipment, meals, transportation, and coaching, along with an inspiring talk by community leaders and elite athletes, once a week.

And perhaps the most exciting part for the kids, the mini league takes place at Nat Bailey Stadium – the very field where their idols play.

VCBF is providing much more than a fun summer for these kids. Besides a new skill, new friends and lasting memories, what these kids will acquire in the seven weeks, will stay with them for life.

15 Life Lessons Kids Learn From Participating In Sports

1. They understand that everyone should have a turn.

2. They embrace teamwork as being less “me” and more “we”.

3. They learn that we all count on each other to do our best.

4. They are taught how to build a bridge between where they are now and where they want to be.

5. They believe that everybody is good at something.

6. They observe that “strong” and “fit ” come in all shapes and sizes.

7. They learn that overcoming a challenge is more rewarding than running from it.

8. They discover that they can accomplish tough stuff.

9. They are taught to lose without losing heart.

10. They are taught to win with grace.

11. They realize that feedback isn’t failure.

12. They feel the power of praise.

13. They know not to underestimate themselves and overestimate the competition.

14. They find out that practice makes progress.

15. They learn to visualize success before it happens.

As a mother, it is heart-warming to know that these kids are able to reap the benefits of participating in a sport, regardless of circumstances that may have otherwise had them sit out.

Photo’s from the VCBF opening day.

What does it mean to you, as a parent, to have programs like the VCBF mini league in your community?

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