HOUSTON – Studies show that not only can sports make kids physically healthier, but sports can protect and even improve mental health, especially for children in underserved communities.
But the cost of children’s sports has increased dramatically over the years and many families just can’t afford it.
One organization, Every Kid Sports, is working to change that and bring relief to thousands of Houston area families by paying their sporting fees, one child at a time.
“Soccer is one of the things I look forward to the most because it’s one of the things I love doing,” says 8th grader, Alona Workman.
Older sisters Kamea and Alona Workman kick around a ball with their younger siblings. They love playing sports and they love watching their siblings play too.
“My two younger sisters they’re getting up to the competitive level now and it’s so cool watching them be so competitive, you know they get pushed down and they’ll get right back up, " says older sister, Kamea Workman.
Five out of the six brothers and sisters are now able to play recreational sports because of one organization, Every Kid Sports.
But that wasn’t always the case.
“$850.00 for all of them to be able to play,” said dad, Joesph Workman.
“It adds up, it’s at least 150 per kid plus the uniform,” says mom, Eryka Workman.
Joesph and Eryka Workman say their family is on a tight income and they just couldn’t afford those fees. So they started looking for other options.
“I believe Klein soccer club who they play for, they’re the ones who suggested them, Every Kid Sports,” says Eryka Workman.
“When we can help not just one kid, but all three, maybe even six kids in a family have access to play now the family is going out on the weekends, and they are all participating in soccer, or lacrosse, or volleyball,” said Executive Director of Every Kid Sports, Eleana Fanaika.
Every Kid Sports provides families who qualify for financial support for their children’s sports fees, for up to three seasons per year.
“Sometimes joining the rec team is the only opportunity for a kid to be active. When we are playing or moving our body, physiologically our body tells us, we are in a better mood, we are enjoying the day, things have a better outlook,” added Fanaika.
“It’s a very easy process and you typically get approved in two weeks and the funds are automatically loaded to an app. It feels like I have weights on my shoulder and it takes the weight off completely,” says mom, Eryka Workman.
“The teamwork, the effort they put in, the reward they get, they know what it’s like to win, they know what it’s like to lose. It’s good to see them all run around and play and just have fun and learn from this experience,” says dad, Joesph Workman.
“Playing sports provides, not only a child an opportunity to have these benefits, but we’re also seeing as we speak to families, that it’s making a difference in the entire family,” says Fanaika.
A child qualifies if they are currently receiving Medicaid, SNAP or WIC benefits, and is between the ages of four and eighteen years old.
To learn more, visit Every Kid Sports’ website. Registration is currently open.
If you don’t get in the first day you apply, you are encouraged to reapply again the next day.
Every Kid Sports has already helped more than 4000 kids in Houston have access to over 18 different sports.