It isn’t unusual to come across a company that’s highly productive and delivers a first-rate product; however, when that group is actually an extremely organized and committed network of volunteers, it’s a bit more noteworthy, particularly when our children are the beneficiaries. Such is the case with Carrollton Boosters.
My husband participated in Carrollton sports when he was a child, but when we rediscovered Carrollton Boosters about a decade ago for our own family, we were surprised and impressed with its growth.
Carrollton Boosters operates continuously throughout the year, offering myriad recreational sports team experiences to children from all over the region. Its mission is to provide youth sports teams that balance learning skills and having fun. Sport teams available for boys include fall and spring soccer; flag football; fall and summer baseball; basketball; and lacrosse. Options for girls include fall and spring soccer; co-ed flag football; softball; basketball; and lacrosse. The age group varies for each sport, but includes children as young as 3 for soccer and continues into high school for most sports. Registration, specific age cut-offs, dates for each sport and sponsorship opportunities are easily accessible on their website: CarrolltonBoosters.org.
Another significant improvement since the days when my husband was the player, not the coach, is in the quality of the facilities. Soccer, softball and baseball use the complex at the Riverview, and flag football, baseball and lacrosse take place at Avenger Field in Audubon by Children’s Hospital. The quality of these fields is top-notch, but the quality of the experience is what draws the crowd. The concessions sell beer and wine for adults, and the grill is usually cooking burgers. On too many occasions, my kids have asked, “Are we eating dinner at the Fly?” and the answer is always, “Of course.”
As soccer has grown in popularity, Carrollton Boosters has responded by partnering with the New Orleans Jesters to offer professionally coached clinics for players and training for coaches. At the under 10 age group, players can play rec soccer as well as participate in the Jesters program. For 11 and older, players have the option of traveling with the Jesters or playing in the rec league and training with the Jesters. Carrollton Boosters has also been responsible for introducing the game of lacrosse to many children in New Orleans and has helped grow the game in our region. The vast majority of all Carrollton Boosters games are played locally; however, the baseball select teams, Jesters soccer team and the lacrosse teams also travel in the region.
An educator at heart, I’m a firm believer in how much children learn from being part of a team. Of course they end a season with increased skills and knowledge of the fundamentals of the game. But I would argue that even more importantly, they grow in their abilities to take direction, hold their head up in defeat and be victorious and gracious at the same time.
Over the almost decade that my children have participated in Carrollton Boosters sports, they have been on a combined 31 teams – and we’re still counting! The number of friendships that my children (and my husband and I as well) have formed on the fields and courts of Carrollton Boosters are impossible to numerate.
Carrollton Boosters contributes greatly to our community by providing literally thousands of children the opportunity to receive the benefits both physical and personal, of being part of a team sport. As a parent, I’m grateful for the countless volunteers who ensure the high quality of Carrollton Boosters programs. If you have very young children or just haven't yet become involved in youth sports, look into Carrollton Boosters – I believe you’ll be glad you did!
Just the Facts
Carrollton Boosters
CarrolltonBoosters.org
Overview of each sport by season
(registration and grading occurs before each season):
Fall Soccer:
September-November
Flag Football:
September-November
Football:
September-November
Lacrosse:
Fall-March
Fall Baseball/Softball:
November-January
Basketball:
January-March
Spring Soccer:
January-March
Summer Baseball/Softball:
April-July
