Homeschoolers Playing Sports

So you have a child who is athletic and happens to be homeschooled?

A child who enjoys sports doesn't necessarily need to miss out on playing just because his/her family chooses to home educate.

Sometimes, sports opportunities literally fall into homeschoolers laps. Other times, it does require a little {or a lot} of inquiry.


How to find sports opportunities:

• Determine your child's interests and abilities.
• Find out if your child needs/wants to pursue this sport as an individual, on a team, or with a league.
• Plan how much time your family/child is willing to use for this sports pursuit. 
• Seek sports opportunities which match your child's interests, abilities, and situation.

Where to look for sports opportunities

• homeschool organizations, co-ops, and support groups
• private schools, especially smaller sized schools as they may be in need of athletes and welcome homeschoolers to fill this gap
• public schools {depends on your state laws and local community as to availability for homeschoolers}
• community centers and leagues {like the Boys and Girls Club, the "Y"}
• church leagues {formal and informal - Upward is an example of a formal program}
• local parks and recreation departments
• private businesses {like gyms or golf courses}
• local experts {professional and amateurs} who may be willing to instruct students
• informal pick-up leagues 

Unfortunately, some areas just don't have any community or school sports opportunities for homeschooled students. In these cases, perhaps a child might consider pursuing something independently. These individual sports could become a life long leisure activity.


Easy sports to fit into life:

• swimming
• golf
• running
• skiing
• roller/ice skating
• bicycling
• rock climbing
• archery
• tennis