Save Freshman sports in Fairfax County

We the undersigned oppose the elimination of Freshman Sports from the Fairfax County budget, and urge the School Board, the county and the state to find alternative ways to bridge the budget shortfall.

High school is a time to make friends, get good grades, participate in activities and prepare for the future. While we understand that academics come first, sacrificing freshman high school sports lessens every child's high school experience, reducing their ability to perform at optimum academic levels and develop into well-rounded adults.

Freshman high school sports offer teenagers a valuable outlet. Participating in sports is important for motor skill development, helps in maintaining a healthy exercise program and provides for a release of anger when the academic stressors become overwhelming. When youth participate in high school sports they release endorphins, which increase energy and help decrease depression. FCPS requires at least a C average to participate in these sports, providing the child with accountability. High school sports increase bonding between children and their parents when parents help with skills and come to games to cheer their child on. 

Every child's freshman year is one of some difficulty and adjustment, and nothing makes a child feel part of their school like playing on a sports team.  Freshman sports enable the entire school to come together, whether playing, or observing, to cheer for their school. Children having difficulty making friends can find camaraderie through joining a high school team or going to a game and cheer for their school. It boosts school morale when students meet to cheer for their team. While this activity offers an enjoyable distraction from the stressors of school, teenager's negative perception of school as a place akin to a prison is replaced with increased school pride. This increased interest in school generally results in increased enjoyment in academics, resulting in better overall test scores and grades.

In a time when childhood obesity and diabetes is growing exponentially, removing a safe and healthy outlet does a disservice to the children, their parents and the entire community.

Thank you for taking the time to read this,