Here is How East Grand Rapids is Making Sure Every Kid Can Still Play Sports

When I was growing up I was lucky to have parents that were able to afford for me to play a variety of sports, including baseball, basketball and hockey.

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Unfortunately not every kid is as lucky as I was and with money seeming to be tighter than ever before, parents have to make extremely tough decisions like do they pay for their kid to do the activity they would like to do or put food on the table.

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For families in East Grand Rapids that have kids in middle school sports some help is on the way.

School leaders just approved a brand-new middle school sports fee plan.

East Grand Rapids Approves New Middle School Sports Fee Plan

Under the updated policy, student-athletes participating in school-funded sports will be required to pay a pay-to-play fee of $250 per season.

This registration cost directly covers program expenses, including coaching costs, equipment, and athletic operations.

While price changes can put an unexpected strain on your wallet, East Grand Rapids is making sure that no student gets left on the sidelines.

The district says that financial assistance is fully available for West Michigan families who need a hand covering the new fees.

Who Qualifies For Financial Assistance

The school district will automatically grant a full fee waiver to any student who is currently enrolled in the federal free and reduced-price lunch program.

Parents can find the assistance forms online or by reaching out to the middle school athletic department.

The goal is to keep participation numbers high and ensure every child in Kent County has a fair shot at playing the sports they love.

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I love that this is happening and hope that other school districts across Michigan can do something similar, no kid should miss out on playing simply because they don't have the money to fees.