VivaTerlingua

You make a couple of great points here. Having been involved in this for around 7 years now you can definitely see the benefits AND the negatives. Unrealistic parents are typically issue #1. Little Johnny/Jill is going to make varsity as a freshman or go on to play at LSU because they are playing ...

Couldn't agree more. My oldest was a club player and always a bit of an underdog on the field as he wasn't the most athletic or great with the ball at his feet. Club taught him to be a shark on defense. He never would have picked that up staying at the local YMCA....

And you may be right. In my experience, a great foundation from those early ages (swing mechanics, athletic movements, fielding techniques) carry a kid a long way once they do hit puberty. Most of that can be taught at home, if you have the background, or by solid coaching. My kids didn't lift ...

You are exactly right. At that age she was doing gymnastics, volleyball, and softball...just being a kid out there with her friends. As she got a little older she fell in love with the sport. The demands of travel sports in baseball, softball, and volleyball and certainly leading to burnout at ea...

I have checked out a ton of the recs in here and added to my reading list. Took Auyushu's advice and downloaded Brent Weeks' [i]The Way of Shadows[/i]. Enjoying the ride so far....

I should have waited before starting his Bloodsworn Saga but I enjoy his work so much I started against my better judgement. I have read Gwynne’s other series and they are fantastic. Great character development and plots that keep rolling. Thanks for the recs above!...

Thanks for that rec. I'll definitely check it out. I realize that most of my fantasy reading has been much more modern authors even though I've read through most of Tolkien (still intimidated by The Silmarillion) and most of The Shannara Chronicles worth reading....