Editor's note: This letter was emailed to Squamish's mayor and council. It was copied to The Chief for publication.
I am writing this in hopes that you will listen to my concerns as a parent raising two children in Squamish. My children, aged 10 and 12, have been enrolled in youth soccer and minor ball in Squamish for six years.
I believe in the concept of challenging childhood obesity through positive experiences playing sports. I try to give my children the experience of different activities that Squamish has to offer. However, as a family of four, after providing the basic necessities of food, housing, and clothing there are limited funds left over.
We enrolled our kids in youth soccer at a young age. The main reasons why we stay with soccer and minor ball is the affordability factor. For around $100 we can have them participate in an activity which gets them outside and lets them run for as many as three times a week, and offers longevity.
I have enrolled them in various other activities through Brennan Park. The cost is always what kept me from enrolling them again.
This is not the case with youth soccer or minor ball. What is offered is superior to any other activities that are available for children in terms of cost versus time spent in activity.
This brings me to my concern. The issue is that, if the bylaw is changed and user fees are added on to the cost of affordable sports for youth in Squamish: What does this do to the enrollment in terms of affordability?
These sports are primarily coached by people who volunteer their time. These coaches are parents, teachers, and role models who take the time to give back to our kids. They do not ask for pay in return for their time.
Yet the district is looking at asking for user fees from the associations, which are run by volunteers. If the funds from the user fees are not going directly back towards the affordable sports that are offered to children of Squamish, why is it a necessity?
Do we want the overall message to be that only those who can pay to enroll their kids in sports within Squamish will be able to do so? Do we want to disrupt a process that encourages kids to get out, and be active with their peers?
If the bylaw being changed affects costs, how many kids will be unable to play next year? Perhaps we should leave this alone and support the programs that are in place, and work for the families of Squamish.
I invite you to take a walk out to the soccer fields on Saturday. Look at the parents, children, and coaches interacting on the fields. Eight hundred kids will be directly affected.
Please, before you vote on this topic, think about who will be affected.
Lisa Peters
Parent, volunteer and support of Squamish Youth Soccer and minor ball
Squamish
