Greater Springfield Athletic Association giving kids a chance to play

By Chris Maza

Reminder Assistant Editor

GREATER SPRINGFIELD -- It's a scenario that is seen all too often in this economy: as people's wallets get emptier, costs continue to rise.

Michael Wells didn't think that should be the way youth sports are run. That's why he and a number of other individuals decided it was time to create the Greater Springfield Athletic Association (GSAA), an organization that would allow young people to participate in sports without draining their parents financially.

"Especially since the economy is very poor right now, a lot of us decided something had to be done," Wells said. "The cost to play with some other organizations is going up and up."

The members of the GSAA's board of directors began to look into grant opportunities that would allow them to offer affordable athletics to youth from the introductory levels as young as ages four or five to the high school level.

"We wanted to research every possibility so that no child would have to be turned down because their parents don't make enough money," Wells said. "A lot of parents are forced to make a choice between putting their kids in athletics or paying for other things the family needs and a lot of times athletics is the thing that is cut out."

Wells said that the GSAA even has a hardship board that determines how it can help families keep their children involved in sports.

"We can't do it for everybody, but on a case-by-case basis, we will take a look and ask ourselves, 'How can we help these people?'" Wells said.

Wells said that the main reason he got involved in the creation with the GSAA is his belief in the importance of sports in the development of young people.

"Growing up in a single-parent home, sports helped give me discipline as well as lifelong friends," Wells said. "As a juvenile court probation officer, I have seen that there is not enough structure for kids and I can't think of a better way to offer that than through athletics."

The GSAA will have some of the most highly educated coaches, according to Wells.

"The coaches will be part of seminars and clinics to make sure we have the best, most informed coaches," Wells said.

In addition to athletic training, Wells said that coaches will be trained in how to be good role models, stressing excellence in the classroom as well as in athletics as well as having the Department of Social Services educate coaches on conduct and warning signs of abuse.

"It's very important that the kids maintain good academic standing," Wells said. "One of the things the board agreed upon is to be as involved as we possibly can."

While offering an affordable and conscientious program, Wells said the GSAA will also put together the most competitive teams possible, not only through coaching, but also clinics. The organization is working to get Springfield College athletes to assist in the clinics and also has a softball clinic set up for the spring with an NCAA All-American, according to Wells.

The GSAA has started its first season of operation with fall soccer for both boys and girls, offering opportunities to play in under-10, under-8 and under-6 leagues. While practice has begun, there is still the opportunity for those interested to get involved. A registration is slated for a Saturday, but a date and time had yet to be determined as of press time. Those seeking more information should call Ryan Wells at 315-0592. Registration is not limited to residents of Springfield.

"We anticipate having somewhere between seven and 10 teams for soccer, which is more than we expected," Wells said. "The phone has been ringing off the hook."

In the winter, the GSAA will offer basketball at the every level from U-6 to U-16 and in the spring, baseball and softball will be offered. Baseball will be available from tee ball through the U-17 age bracket and softball will be available from the introductory level through U-16.

Information on basketball sing ups should be available in the next couple of weeks, according to Wells.

Comments From Our Readers: