The Brevard Public Schools district is expanding access to sports for elementary school students. Many athletes have opted for travel teams, forcing some recreational leagues to cancel their seasons.“We signed them up for a league in the area, and it ended up getting canceled because they didn’t have enough coaches,” Brittany Gaffney said.The mother of five is looking for options for her younger children so they can get involved in sports that work with their schedule.“Now with this elementary school option, they will be able to play basketball after school,” Gaffney said.Between finances and lower enrollment in recreational teams, Brevard Public Schools has been quietly growing a sports program that will now expand further.The district launched its Elementary Sports Program in 2024. In the first year, more than 8,200 students participated districtwide. The following year, that number grew by 44%, according to district officials.BPS previously offered soccer and flag football. Starting this week, the district is launching more sports options: wrestling, golf, basketball, tennis and track.“In the last decade, they’ve seen a 70% decrease in low-socioeconomic kids playing sports, and the reason is they don’t have the finances to play on some of these travel teams,” School Board Chairman Matt Susin said. “We created these elementary school sports, and in doing so, students are allowed to practice two to three times a week inside the schools while their parents are still at work. Their parents can pick them up at 5 p.m.”Right now, these additional sports are made possible with community partners like Viera East Golf Course and Space Coast Lightning. Equipment for these leagues will be provided, but personal items, such as shin guards, will not.Transportation is not provided, but the district said it is looking into changing that down the road.For additional details on signing up, click here. You can also contact the District Director of Athletics & Activities at (321) 633-1000 Ext. 11239
The Brevard Public Schools district is expanding access to sports for elementary school students. Many athletes have opted for travel teams, forcing some recreational leagues to cancel their seasons.
“We signed them up for a league in the area, and it ended up getting canceled because they didn’t have enough coaches,” Brittany Gaffney said.
The mother of five is looking for options for her younger children so they can get involved in sports that work with their schedule.
“Now with this elementary school option, they will be able to play basketball after school,” Gaffney said.
Between finances and lower enrollment in recreational teams, Brevard Public Schools has been quietly growing a sports program that will now expand further.
The district launched its Elementary Sports Program in 2024. In the first year, more than 8,200 students participated districtwide. The following year, that number grew by 44%, according to district officials.
BPS previously offered soccer and flag football. Starting this week, the district is launching more sports options: wrestling, golf, basketball, tennis and track.
“In the last decade, they’ve seen a 70% decrease in low-socioeconomic kids playing sports, and the reason is they don’t have the finances to play on some of these travel teams,” School Board Chairman Matt Susin said. “We created these elementary school sports, and in doing so, students are allowed to practice two to three times a week inside the schools while their parents are still at work. Their parents can pick them up at 5 p.m.”
Right now, these additional sports are made possible with community partners like Viera East Golf Course and Space Coast Lightning. Equipment for these leagues will be provided, but personal items, such as shin guards, will not.
Transportation is not provided, but the district said it is looking into changing that down the road.
For additional details on signing up, click here. You can also contact the District Director of Athletics & Activities at (321) 633-1000 Ext. 11239