After a long winter, spring brings an extra dose of sunshine and a whole new season of sports. We’re not telling you to put away your skis and ice skates, but this is a great time to think about getting your kids ready for the upcoming sports season. Whether it’s track and field, baseball, volleyball, tennis, or lacrosse – you don’t want to miss signup deadlines or feel rushed at the beginning of the sports season picking up gear.
Simplified is here to help busy parents focus on what truly matters—cheering from the sidelines and enjoying a celebratory ice cream after the game. To reduce the stress of a busy spring season, we recommend getting a head start before winter activities end so you can sit back and enjoy every game. Here are a few considerations to start with:
- Sign Up: Whether it’s through a school, community center, or traveling league, you’ll want to make sure you know when the signup deadlines for the sports seasons are.
- Gear: Find out what equipment and clothing your child will need and purchase it in advance. The longer you wait, the higher the risk of stores selling out of what you need.
- Transportation: Where and when will practices and games be held? Do you need help getting your children there? Seek out other teammates who may be able to provide a ride or hire a livery service to help.
- Doctor’s Visit: If your child hasn’t had a physical in the past year, schedule an appointment to ensure there won’t be any unforeseen physical problems.
Too busy to check off this to-do list? Save time by working with a concierge who specializes in organizing the busy lives of families.
How to Find and Hire a Private Coach
If your child wants to kick up their athletic prowess, consider hiring an athletic coach to ensure they’re in tip-top shape. There are several private coaching options for both spring and fall sports, and you have many factors to consider when choosing the right coach for your child:
- One-on-One Coaching: These personalized sessions are focused solely on your child’s needs. This option is great for addressing specific skill gaps and tailoring drills and feedback directly to your child.
- Small Group Sessions: A more affordable alternative than one-on-one coaching, this approach still allows individualized attention while promoting teamwork and social interaction.
- Specialized Camps & Clinics: These intensive sessions help boost skills rapidly over a concentrated period.
- Remote/Virtual Coaching: This is useful if local coaching options are limited or you need specialized expertise.
- Local Sports Academies or Private Training Facilities: These offer seasonal packages or private lessons in sports like baseball, soccer, or tennis, often with state-of-the-art equipment and structured programs.
Selecting a coach who truly fits your child’s needs can feel overwhelming. To simplify the process, our team considers several key factors when matching families with coaches:
- Review Credentials & Ask for References: Look for coaches with a proven track record in the specific sport. Word-of-mouth referrals and testimonials can offer additional insight. Experience with youth athletes is also an important consideration.
- Evaluate Coaching Styles & Training Environments: Does your child thrive under a structured regimen? Or do they prefer a more playful and encouraging environment?
- Observe Communication & Rapport: Communication is key. Set up a trial session to evaluate the coach’s communication style and how your child responds.
With busy work schedules and social obligations, parents don’t always have the time to buy the proper gear, find the best coaches, or get their kids where they need to go. Simplified helps busy families regain their time with our Personal Family Assistant services. Let a team member help you find more time for the things and people you love.
Editor’s Note: This post was originally published in January 2018 and was updated for accuracy and comprehensiveness.