Hi all, immigrant dad here and still learning how youth sports work in the US.
I want to introduce my kids to sports by just watching games. Mainly thinking baseball or American football.
Do youth games happen at public parks around McKinney? Can you just show up and watch, or is it usually league only? Any parks or times I should know about?
Appreciate any guidance. Thanks!
American football season is over locally at the youth level. You will have mostly soccer right now and basketball. You can go to PSA on ElDorado for indoor games (no entry charge). Baseball will start in spring and flag football.
Best thing would be to sign them up for sports and let them try different ones.
Thank you! We signed up my son (4 yr old) with the soccer sparks program coordinated by the city of McKinney. Planning to get him enrolled for a long term program. My daughter (6 yr old) is also interested in soccer. So will be signing them up as we go.
If you want to get into hockey, and frankly let's be real, you really need to because it's amazing, the Dallas Stars practice facility is in Frisco and their practices are generally open to the public. So if y'all want to see actual NHL players going through practice and drills it's pretty cool. Enjoy!
Wow that’s so cool. I’ll definitely check it out. This might be a dumb question but how do parents typically get their kids into something like hockey. Do schools have programs or is it mostly through private coaching programs?
Schools don’t have hockey programs but the Stars program is pretty awesome. Kids can do a free camp with equipment included. I’d they stick with the program they keep the gear. They sucked my son this way.
That’s great to know. Thanks! 🙏
It's specifically called Junior Rookies and is offered at all Star Center rinks on a rotating basis. Once they do Rookies, you enroll (pay) them in Pre-Hockey, then Hockey Academy, then upon graduation from Academy they're ready to enroll in a season of play. My son did this and it was about 6 months until he was ready to play 6U.
Interesting. Thanks for explaining!
Honestly friend I'll leave that question to the parents here. I'm a single no kids having guy so I haven't a clue. But the Stars have a Jr Stars program and I'm sure they have their info on their website.
Both my kids play hockey. There’s a starcenter in McKinney, they offer a free rookie program to get kids interested in hockey and then you can sign up for classes after that. You could also just go up there and check it out, there are youth games and practices going on all the time
Gabe Nesbitt should have free baseball games during the season. They also have a skate park attached and it’s always fun to watch people skate. There is also a tennis center attached to the park but im not sure if you can just walk in and watch but it seems public.
Look into i9 sports. Lots of beginner leagues. Fairly low cost. Various seasons of differing lengths throughout the year to expose your child to different sports.
Thanks! I will look into it