HARLINGEN — It’s not too late.
The Spring Sports season at the Boys and Girls Clubs of Harlingen is only halfway over.
“In the kids sports we could probably find them a place on the team,” said Clubs Director Gerald Gathright.
“We have sports of all different types going on with teams, and we have 105 different teams that are participating.”
Most evenings these days, the teams fill the gyms at the Lamar, LeMoyne Gardens and Main units to compete, but they come from all five units.
“The kids are having a great time, great participation,” Gathright said. “We held the Spring Sports Program for the last 30 years plus and it’s always been a great hit.”
About 1,200 kids are playing this year.
“A lot of these are outdoor sports that they enjoy,” Gathright said. “All of our sports are designed for kids to be able to continue even into adulthood. Whatever sports we offer during the season or during the year are geared toward that.”
He referred to basketball as an example, pointing out that it can be played on an outdoor court any time.
“It’s a little hard to do that for, say, tackle football,” he said. “You can’t get a bunch of guys in pads. These are what are termed lifetime sports, things that kids can continue throughout their lives.”
The unique opportunities provided by the Boys and Girls Clubs Spring Sports Program make them a magnet for many local children of all ages.
“For many kids, our sports leagues are the only sports programs they’ll participate in,” Gathright said. “We’re very aware of that and we want to do a good job for them and make sure they have a good experience.”