- my iParenting
- quick clicks
- dads today articles
- dads today q&a
- message boards
- research baby names
- prepare a birth plan
- content channels
- ip channel rss feeds
- read birth stories
- read parenting stories
- recommended books
- e-newsletters
- safety recalls
- ip diaries
- ip store
- mom of the month
- dad of the month
- editor's letter
- letters to the editor
 |
- e-newsletters
- Sign up to receive our free weekly e-newsletters
- award-winning products
The iParenting Media Awards program helps parents find the best products for their families.
Down the Road
Is Your Daughter Ready for Travel Sports?
By Kelly Burgess
In addition, if your child really loves the sport and isn't just playing because Dad says he should, the physical activity is one of the best things your child can be doing. As he hones his skills and continues to love the sport, this may be a good route to a little college financial help.
Sarah Cook of Cheswick, Pa., hopes soccer gives her a financial kick for college. She started playing soccer in first grade, and eventually, she tried out for one of the easier travel teams in her area and made it. At that point she was just playing for fun and for the social benefits. When she got into middle school, she realized that she really was serious about the game and wanted to play at a higher level. She tried out for an elite travel team in her area and made it as a goalie. Now at 15, she's hoping that down the road she'll be offered at least a partial financial scholarship to a couple of her preferred colleges.
Cook's experiences with travel soccer have always been positive because of her parents' attitudes. They attend her games but only react in positive ways. They do not coach. They have never pushed her to "stick with it." If she ever wanted to quit, she knew she could walk away, and there would be no recriminations. She also has many other interests.
