Support Your School’s Athletic Boosters

Last week at the high school’s fall sports meeting I heard a very startling fact. In our public school district, every high school receives $7500 per year to fund their ENTIRE sports program. Are you kidding me? $7500 to fund 17 different sports teams? WOW! I was stunned. Then when I heard that the officials bill for those 17 sports totaled $41,000 last year I really had to shake my head. How on earth do the school sports function?

Answer: the Athletic Boosters and volunteers

In order to make up the difference in the funds that the athletic department receives from the county and the amount that they need to buy uniforms, equipment, pay for officials, etc, the athletic boosters helps them out through ticket sales, spirit gear sales, fundraisers, and concessions.

If you have an athlete in high school or one coming up through the ranks, get involved with your school’s athletic boosters. They need volunteers. They need fresh ideas. They need support. Your athletes need you.

The principal at our school was talking with the parents and said something to the effect that if they offered a class that taught leadership, teamwork, ethics, time management and fitness at the high school, they probably wouldn’t have anyone sign up, but if your child’s sports coach says see you at practice on Monday at 9, every athlete would be there. Sports teaches all of those important life skills. And without the booster clubs, parent volunteers, and support from the local community, many more cuts to the already suffering athletic programs would have to be made.

Contact your school’s booster club and see how you can get involved in something that will truly benefit your student athlete.