Salem Observer : Salem, soccer

Defending champ Central edges top-ranked Salem

Salem Editor — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 22:36:00 GMT

BY MATT SCHOOLEY

Peter Lally knows from experience what the Salem girls soccer team went through at Stellos Stadium.

Lally’s No. 4 Manchester Central Little Green knocked off the No. 1-ranked Blue Devils in the Class L semifinals on Tuesday, Nov. 3, 2-1, earning a shot at winning a second consecutive state title.

“I’ve certainly been in Salem’s position before. I’ve been a top seed and been knocked out, been undefeated and knocked out,” said Lally. “It’s not fun.”

All of the scoring in the game came within a span of 3 minutes, 28 seconds in the second half, beginning with a connection between two Hooksett players.

Deven McKiernan put a ball on net that bounced off Salem goaltender Sarah Snyder, and Lindsay Johnson put the rebound in while falling to the turf with 25:18 left to play. The Blue Devils responded when Cassandra Chase took a perfectly placed through-ball from Tayllar Righini and capitalized with a wide-open goal at the 22:03 mark to even the score.

A mere 13 seconds later, while Salem’s fans celebrated the equalizer, the Little Green came storming back when Hooksett’s Sarah Velasquez took advantage of a failed clear by the SHS backfield, finding the back of the net to again give her team the lead. Johnson earned the assist after putting the ball into the middle of the box.

“We let down after we scored, and that’s uncharacteristic of us,” said Salem mentor Kendrick Whittle. “I thought we were in the driver’s seat, but that’s what Central does to you. They were just a little bit tougher than us.”

The Blue Devils couldn’t muster many more scoring threats, though Chase did fire twice while closely guarded; the junior sent one high and the other into the side of the net.

As the final seconds wound down, Salem defender Avery Neusch lofted a free kick off the crossbar, but an infraction was whistled on the Blue Devils, and time expired just seconds later.

Both teams had similar runs into the semifinal meeting. Each won a preliminaryround game, 1-0, before surviving quarterfinal-round tilts on penalty kicks.

Salem graduates Neusch, Kristine Gosson, Elizabeth Morin, Sarah Raye, Amanda Vaudreuil, Katherine Donovan and Snyder from this year’s team, but the Blue Devils return several key players. Lally said his team’s grit has been the biggest factor in reaching the Class L championship, which is scheduled for the campus of Southern New Hampshire University on Friday, Nov. 6, at 7 p.m.

“We’re not the biggest team, but sometimes they play big,” said Lally. “Our program is as good as any team in the state. The Little Green is still around. I think the ‘little’ part of that is appropriate.”

Good Salem team needs to improve outcome of chances it generates

Salem Editor — Wed, 07 Oct 2009 19:19:00 GMT

BY MATT SCHOOLEY

As Salem boys soccer approaches the finish of the regular season, the Blue Devils need to work on just that – finishing.

After producing a 6-1-0 start in Class L play, the Blue Devils suffered a three-game losing skid that included losses to three of the top five teams in the standings.

On Friday, Oct. 2, Salem lost, 2-1, to 7-1-2 Manchester Memorial, and head coach Tony Karibian said the reason was clear.

“It’s been all about finishing,” said Karibian. “We seem to want to score, but when we get in a position to do so, we don’t finish and take advantage of it. It’s not that we can’t do it, but we need to put the ball in the net.”

The Blue Devils jumped to an early advantage thanks to a Brad Hosey goal, assisted by Joao Vitor, about six minutes into the contest.

But Memorial struck back late in the half with a goal of its own, and the game entered the intermission knotted at 1-1 despite heavy pressure from Salem in the closing minutes.

With four minutes remaining until halftime, the Blue Devils entered the box, and several Salem attackers had a chance to score on a loose ball five feet from the goal line. However, an SHS shot hit the post, and Memorial escaped unscathed.

Twenty-one minutes into the second half, Peguy Ngatcha found an open lower-left side of the goal past Salem goalkeeper Taylor Morin to take the lead.

Though Salem earned a corner kick late in the game, the Blue Devils were unable to respond with the equalizer. All four of Salem’s losses have come against playoffbound teams, and only one has come by more than a single tally.

The Blue Devils’ first loss of the year was to Manchester Central by a 3-2 margin, followed by back-to-back victories before the three-game losing streak.

In recent years the locals have been a sub-.500 team, but a strong corps of upperclassmen has Karibian optimistic his team can make a deep run in the state tournament. Though the mentor said he hopes his group can secure at least one home playoff game, he also knows that task became increasingly difficult following its recent struggles.

“In years past we did well to lose (by one goal),” said Karibian. “Now we should be winning those games. We know we can win. We’re just making our road in the playoffs a bit harder.”

Salem High School boys, led by solid upperclassmen, shoot for playoff spot

Salem Editor — Wed, 02 Sep 2009 19:07:00 GMT

BY MATT SCHOOLEY

The Salem High School boys soccer team has been under construction for several years. Tony Karibian figures the project is near completion.

Several of the key members of this year’s varsity squad have endured multiple sub-.500 seasons, but the Blue Devil mentor said his players have learned from recent struggles.

“They’re very skilled players, but they’re also a lot more mature than they were last year,” said Karibian. “They’re smart with the ball and are taking chances when they have the opportunity.”

Karibian said he should start five seniors and five juniors, giving the team a chance to contend the next two seasons.

Center forward Tyler Rutledge has shown he can be an offensive threat, scoring five goals in the preseason for the Blue Devils. Captain Brett Miller and junior Peter Ventola join Rutledge up front.

“We’re going to poach some goals,” said Karibian. “We don’t have beautiful goal-scoring yet. We’re going to steal some goals and get a lot of hard-working scores, knock in some ugly ones in front of the net.”

Brandon Cole, Nick LaRochelle and midfielder Max Gordon, who have all impressed their coach so far, lead the Salem defense.

Karibian said these players are prime examples of what went right for SHS during its summer sessions.

“All three have come into the season in shape and more aggressive, ready to take on a commanding role,” said Karibian. “The way the whole team is training is much better. They came in ready to go and no one struggled with fitness.”

One player who takes on a surprising leadership role is Joe Brouillette, who plays center back and was named captain by his teammates. This is Brouillette’s first year of varsity play. He was a member of the JV team previously.

“It isn’t that he couldn’t play last year, but I just wanted him to get more experience,” said Karibian. “He embraced that role, became a leader on JV and that translated into a strong preseason this year. He has great determination and grit, and he’s a guy that puts up or shuts up.”

During a preseason meeting, the players talked with their coacha bout expectations, setting their sights on a better-than-.500 record and potentially earning a first-round playoff game.

“Everyone is competing for 11 spots. That itself says a lot about the team,” said Karibian. “We’ve grown in numbers – and physically as well.”

Salem’s designs include aggressive play and another postseason run

Salem Editor — Wed, 26 Aug 2009 18:47:00 GMT

BY MATT SCHOOLEY

Kendrick Whittle is confident this year’s group is fit for another deep run in the Class L postseason. Indeed, after losing three starters from last season’s semifinalists, the Salem High School girls soccer coach was greeted by a team in tip-top physical shape.

“This is my fourth year coaching this team, and this is the most fit this group has come into preseason,” said Whittle. “Everyone is ready to go.”

In total, Whittle graduated six seniors from the 2008 squad, and though he lost some important pieces, he said he believes the nucleus of his team is already in place.

Salem should be a threat on both sides of the ball, with capable offensive playmakers and tenacious defenders who held opponents to just one goal in 240 minutes of postseason play last year.

Avery Neusch, Kristine Gosson, Hanna Larochelle and Mackenzie Miller have the task of keeping opponents from putting shots on net against senior goalie Sarah Snyder, another returning Blue Devil.

Also back in 2009 are Gina Righini, Cassie Chase, Bridget Klecan, Amanda Vaudreuil and Sarah Raye.

“Hopefully we can use last year in making it as far as we did to get us going early on and get us through the season,” said Whittle. “If we can find a nice core of two or three girls who can add to what this group already has, we’ll be in very good shape.”

Though the coach wants his team to use its postseason experience as motivation, he also knows a return trip to the final four is not guaranteed.

“One of the things I try to focus on is that it’s not how far you make it that defines success,” said Whittle. “If you get too caught up in making it to a certain point, then you are setting yourself up for failure.”

The Blue Devils averaged just over two goals per game last season, finding the back of the net 38 times during a campaign that featured a 10-game unbeaten streak.

Whittle said he is confident in the team’s offensive potential, particularly because of Raye and Chase, whom Whittle called two of the best strikers in the state. Still, the majority of the Blue Devil offense should flow from work at the opposite end of the field.

“We have a very good defense and an outstanding goalkeeper, which allows us to be very aggressive on offense,” he said. “There are times when you change your style of play based on opponent, but I think we’ll try to put the pressure on.”

Disappointed Salem girls soccer team concludes fine season just short of state final

Salem Editor — Thu, 13 Nov 2008 01:38:00 GMT

BY JERRY LIPTAK

Surrounded by reporters after his team’s loss to top-ranked, unbeaten Merrimack, Kendrick Whittle answered every question dutifully and politely, but his mind was elsewhere. For proof, any onlooker needed only to follow his eyes.

Roughly 20 yards away, his Salem girls soccer team waited quietly and patiently for the mentor. Some players were in tears. Others offered hugs of consolation. Whittle kept glancing at them, awaiting his chance to comfort and encourage the girls.

They’d certainly earned it following a 14-3-2 campaign that ended with a 1-0 setback Nov. 5 in the Class L semifinals. Following a 6-9-1 mark in 2007, the Blue Devils went 12- 2-2 in 2008’s regular season, earning the No. 4 seed in the tournament.

The group then allowed one goal in 240 minutes of postseason play.

“Last year, when the season ended, I told them to work hard and stay focused,” said Whittle. “This effort, and they gave 100 percent throughout the year, is a result of their dedication to the cause.”

Merrimack was simply a superior foe, but if not for a Tomahawk goal in the 39th minute – just before halftime – the two teams may still be playing.

“We made one mistake that led to a goal,” said Salem’s coach. “But our backfield has been terrific the whole year.”

On offense, the locals couldn’t score for the first time in nearly two months. They were shut out by Central – the eventual state champions – on Sept. 16.

Whittle credited six seniors with ensuring the team played no favorites and functioned as a single unit.

Salem loses its captains, midfielder Courtney Russell and back Caitlin Peters, who start along with classmate Liz Edgerton, a midfielder. In addition, Kayla Provenzano, Sarah Mc- Cook and Sarah Viehl graduate.

“I can’t say enough about this group of kids – all six of ’em – and what they’ve done for this team,” said Whittle. “These kids are as tight(-knit) a group as you’ll see.”

However, eight starters return with an eye toward taking one more step in next year’s playoffs.

Juniors Bridget Klecan, Kristine Gosson, Sarah Raye, Avery Neusch and keeper Sarah Snyder carry that final-four experience into 2009, as do sophomores Gina Righini, Hanna LaRochelle and Cassie Chase.

Juniors Olivia Connors, Katherine Donovan, Katherine Conway and Amanda Vaudreuil; sophomores Mackenzie Miller and Aja Metcalf; and freshmen Nicole English and Jersey Burns are also eligible to return.

“I don’t even want to go over there and talk to them,” said Whittle, taking a deep breath and preparing to do just that. “This is going to be so tough.”

Salem boys soccer team's playoff appearance keyed by senior leadership

Salem Editor — Wed, 05 Nov 2008 21:17:00 GMT

BY RYAN O’CONNOR

It was a season of development and, likely, a positive sign of things to come.

The Salem boys soccer team jumped to a 5-2-0 record before finishing 6-9-1, good enough for the No. 12 seed in the highly competitive Class L playoffs. Though they were bumped in the first round, the Blue Devils gave fifth-seeded Bishop Guertin all it could handle in a 2-0 firstround loss.

“The team truly grew, both physically and mentally, this season,” said head coach Anthony Karibian. “Where last year we played with some apprehension, this year, we opened very well ... It was due, in large part, to work in the offseason and a renewed focus with our nine seniors.”

Those seniors played together since they were 6, 7 and 8 years old, added the coach, who noted only three began the season as starters, yet seven were receiving regular minutes by the end of the year.

“They all played with the Windham travel team, and in the Windham middle school,” said Karibian. “It was really good to see the camaraderie that we had both on and off the field. It was that unity that kept us going through stretches of losses, and I am looking forward to that team unity being relayed to the younger players.”

Defender Josh Richard and midfielder Aaron Mackey led the group, Richard as a vocal leader and Mackey through his exemplary work ethic, skill and fitness level.

Classmates Charlie Sprinkling, Justin Hollinger, Brian Broom-Peltz, Mark Baroni, Ethan Carr, and brothers Craig and Corey Fitzgerald also contributed on the pitch this season. Minus the tight-knit senior unit, Karibian said 2009 promises a different look, though he doesn’t believe there will be a dropoff.

“We will certainly be in the market for new leaders. All the seniors played a role in the development of the team. With the captains’ armbands up for grabs, as well as at least five starting positions, it will be very competitive next year,” he said. “(But) much of our soccer talent was in our underclassmen. I look forward to their development as they will have another year to grow and improve.”

Karibian said he’s hopeful juniors Brett Miller and Tyler Rutledge continue their ascent as standout strikers and sophomore midfielders Max Gordon and Peter Ventola step up as well.

Junior goalkeeper Taylor Morin, he added, made giant strides this season and should only get better in 2009. Morin won sole possession of the starting job in the second half of this season.

Also expected to return next season are juniors Michael Abi- Aad, Marcus Baldwin, Cody Eller, Brandon Cole and sophomores Nicholas LaRochelle and Brian Peltz.

Not in the cards – Salem shows no quit but can’t win while up a man

Salem Editor — Wed, 03 Oct 2007 17:46:00 GMT

BY MATT SCHOOLEY

With one more player on the field than its opponent, the Salem boys’ soccer team looked like it would be able to grab its second win in what has been a difficult season so far.

It didn’t work out that way, as the Blue Devils couldn’t take advantage of a Goffstown red card, losing at home on Friday, Sept. 28, 2-1.

Goffstown’s Tyler Ellis took down Craig Fitzgerald seven minutes into the contest. After the play, the referee ejected Ellis for using an expletive in talking about the call. Still, the Grizzlies took a 2-0 lead following a pair of second-half scores.

Mark Baroni cut the Salem deficit in half when he corralled a loose ball in front of the net and powered it home.

But the Blue Devils were unable to take advantage of several scoring opportunities while the seconds ticked down, dropping them to 1-9 on the year.

“When we went into halftime, I told my guys that (Goffstown) was going to come into the second half fired up. To their credit, they didn’t get tired,” said Salem head coach Tony Karibian.

Salem’s flaw is obvious. The Blue Devils have no seniors on the 2007 roster.

“We’re young and we’re inexperienced when it comes to going up against veteran teams,” said Karibian, who said the oldest player on his team just turned 17. “It’s a positive thing in a sense that we’re looking to get better
moving forward over the next few years. But it’s also frustrating at the same time.”

Despite the loss, Karibian saw some positives from his team.

“The main thing was that we competed in tackles and 50/50 balls. We’ve lost games before because of those two things,” he said. “Usually we would have just laid down in a game like today. I think they saw that we could play with them, even if they are bigger and stronger.”

After cutting the deficit to one, Salem put the ball in the net again, but an offside call negated the goal. And in the final minutes of the game, the Blue Devils were unable to connect on a corner kick, missed an opportunity at an open shot and couldn’t capitalize on a foul just outside the box.

But the best opportunity came with a little more than two minutes left as the ball trickled along the goal line with the Goffstown keeper on the ground.

However, no Salem player could get a foot on the ball, and the Grizzlies cleared it to ensure the win.

Home cookin’ – Salem reaches .500 by doubling up Pinkerton

Salem Editor — Wed, 26 Sep 2007 21:11:00 GMT

BY RYAN O'CONNOR

The Blue Devils girls soccer team rolled out the welcome mat for rival Pinkerton Academy during Salem homecoming festivities. Then the girls turned around and slammed the door right in the Astros’ faces.

Though Pinkerton entered the contest on Saturday, Sept. 22, with a 4-3 record, the two squads left the field tied in the Class L standings following a 4-2 victory by the hosts.

“It was certainly a big win for us,” said head coach Kendrick Whittle. “I think going into the second half at 4-4 is significant.”

Freshman Cassie Chase scored first, unassisted, followed by a goal from sophomore Sarah Raye on an assist from freshman Gina Reghini. A tally by senior Liz Merriken, aided by sophomore Olivia Connors, and another Raye score, assisted by junior Caitlin Peters, accounted for Salem’s total. Peters, said Whittle, has also been the backbone of his young defense.

Three of Salem’s four defeats have come at the hands of the top three teams in the Class L standings. The Blue Devils lost 1-0 in overtime to defending champion Exeter, 3-0 to undefeated Manchester Central and 3-0 to one-loss Londonderry.

And while several of Salem’s most prolific scorers are underclassmen, inconsistency – often a by-product of youth – has hampered the Blue Devils’ ability to challenge Class L’s elite thus far, said Whittle.

“Some days we’re exceeding, and some days we’re not meeting, our expectations,” said Whittle. “Today was certainly a day where, as a team, our intensity was an A. We were into the game for all 80 minutes, and it showed in the result. There are other days when we come out flat, and we struggle to put it together.”

An example, said the coach, was Salem’s 2-1 home loss to Dover on Tuesday, Sept. 18, when the Blue Devils missed several opportunities to tie and possibly win the game.

Still, having sophomore Sarah Snyder tending net, said Whittle, gives the young Devils a legitimate chance to contend for a title as early as this year and beyond.

“Her play this year has brought us to another level,” said Whittle. “You’ll see us in the playoffs.”

Youth movement – Families’ focus shifts to children in multiple athletic endeavors

Salem Editor — Wed, 18 Apr 2007 17:20:00 GMT

BY MATT STOUT

It’s a Sunday afternoon in late January, and Colleen and Bob Nagri plan to eventually settle in for the night to catch the New England Patriots’ playoff showdown with the Indianapolis Colts.

Their Dodge Durango – its back windshield plastered with eight metallic silhouettes of different athletes, representing the sports their children, 10-year-old Alex and 9-year-old Kyle, play – sits idle for the moment. Soon, they’ll drive Alex to her soccer practice, and hopefully make it back in time for kickoff.

Tomorrow, she’ll have a lacrosse clinic to attend, while Colleen plays in her Monday night women’s soccer league. In the days to follow, Kyle will run from a travel hockey practice to one for basketball – recreation or travel, take your pick. Alex will also train with her basketball team, and if Bob hadn’t blown out the same knee twice years earlier, he’d have a men’s league basketball game to look forward to. Then it’s games the following weekend.

But it’s not too bad. It’s winter – “kind of that offseason,” Colleen said – and the typically busy week comes after what Bob called a “light weekend” of four practices and three games.

Of course, it didn’t compare to a weekend earlier in the season when Kyle and Alex, between two jamboree soccer tournaments, two basketball games and two hockey games, combined for 10 contests – on a Saturday.

“Half our friends think we’re nuts,” Bob said, referring to the Salem family’s demanding sports schedule, mapped out event-by-event in an oversized day planner. “And the other half is doing the same things.”

With the growth of options and demand in youth sports, the Nagris’ story isn’t uncommon.

At a national and local level, single-sport youth athletes have become more uncommon; neighborhood and regional organizations, better organized than ever before, are accommodating more and more kids; the attraction of higher levels of play, such as those offered by the Amateur Athletic Union (AAU), has intensified.

From the popularity of events such as the Little League World Series to the growing sums of money families pay to play, there’s no denying youth sports have become a different beast than 15, 10 or even five years ago.

How some of these families juggle it all can be an art in itself. Why they do it can be as abstract.

Youth sports, parents and coaches assert, keep kids active, teach them life lessons of succeeding and failing, and, for a select few, provide an avenue to bigger and better opportunities. For some, it’s fueled by competitive drive; for others, it’s a way to meet and be with friends.

“But other than that, I don’t know why,” said John Riehl, president of Goffstown Junior Baseball and father of 14-year-old Matt and 10-year-old Timmy, who play sports year-round. “I think we’re all crazy.”

‘The Life’

For Marianne and Todd Philbrick, the introduction to youth sports – or “The Life” as Marianne called it – started when now 13-year-old daughter Ellie signed up for cheerleading at 7. It began with five practices a week in August, three to four during the fall season, before her schedule ballooned with intensive lessons at the Bedford Dance Center.

Then Ben, now 12, started playing sports. He tried baseball and currently plays for the AAU’s Black Flies. He also enjoyed hockey and competes for a travel team out of the Manchester Regional Youth Hockey Association. Along the way, he picked up football, lacrosse and basketball.

Next, 9-year-old Rachel found soccer and gets her kicks playing for the Bedford-based New Hampshire Classics, in addition to taking dance lessons.

“It was more like it kind of crept in our day-to-day living,” said Marianne, a Bedford resident. “In the beginning you stay through every practice. You just stay and watch. And then you can’t because child No. 2 has their own stuff, and you have to bring them there. And then two years later, child No. 3 comes along. And before you know it, they’re all in elementary school with a hugely busy schedule.”

The Philbricks are not alone. Desiree Casey, also of Bedford, said between her three children – 12-year-old Ryan, 10-year-old Andrew and 6-year-old Carly – the family covers six sports in football, hockey, lacrosse, softball, swimming and tennis. She didn’t include skiing and snowboarding.

Scott Sprague of Hooksett has two boys – Austin, 11, and Devon, 9. Each plays travel soccer, travel hockey and baseball.

“I think Easter Sunday was the first day in over a year that neither of my kids got out of their PJs,” Sprague said. “It hasn’t happened much, but they got up and Devon goes, ‘What do I have for sports today, Dad?’ I go, ‘You have nothing.’ And he says, ‘What? I don’t have any games or anything? Oh man.’”

As a result, families like the Philbricks, Caseys and Spragues have helped spark some interesting phenomena.

One has been pure growth at the local level. Organizations such as the Hopkinton Youth Sports Association feature roughly 300 kids in baseball, 200 in soccer and 200 more in basketball, all kindergartners to eighth-graders, said president Darren Winslow.

Though there aren’t exact numbers on how many of those kids play multiple sports, that’s 700 registered athletes from a town of 1,544 households, according to the 2000 U.S. Census.

Salem girls softball is another example. Based in what’s always been considered a “softball town,” said president Ann Gubellini, the organization shifted from Little League to Babe Ruth last summer, added several travel teams and saw registration swell from 360 to 440 girls.

The attraction of playing for those travel teams in Amateur Softball Association (ASA) tournaments was a huge draw, Gubellini said, as the opportunities in the sport, from facilities to available leagues, have grown.

“In this area,” she said, “it’s just spun out of control.”

That’s at the local level. Mix in travel teams, and schedules become more hectic.

The juggle

When sports overlap, which parents agree happens most often in October between fall and winter sports and March or April between winter and spring, conflicts arise and the multi-sport athletes are left with decisions.

The general rule is, Marianne Philbrick said, when two events conflict on the schedule, her family and others she knows tend to stay loyal to the sport concluding at the time. When an early April hockey playoff series interferes with a baseball tournament, hockey comes first.

Some coaches are more flexible than others.

“In lacrosse, they (the coaches) said, ‘If you’re trying out, we expect that lacrosse is your primary sport,’” said Desiree Casey of Bedford. “Andrew made the decision that he wanted to try out and that he didn’t want to play baseball. And that’s OK with him. At least the expectations were up front.”

As children get older and the competition become more serious, different choices have to be made – which sports stay and which go.

Marianne Philbrick said her son, Ben, has experienced that, giving up lacrosse and basketball when his AAU baseball commitments became too much at age 10.

Bob and Colleen Nagri of Salem said the same thing about their daughter, Alex, who stopped participating in gymnastics when that clogged her growing schedule.

These decisions are nothing new. Children needing to choose at an earlier age, however, is a recent trend.

“And I’m kind of torn on that, and I think a lot of other coaches are, too,” said Bill Gahara, president of the Hooksett Youth Athletic Association. “But it seems once they become 12 or 13 years old, kids are starting to specialize and are starting to play that one sport year-round.”

That, in turn, has led to even more changes.

The next step

At 12, Jay Yennaco, a Red Sox third-round draft pick in 1995, played 15 games of Little League baseball and a handful more for his town’s all-star team in 1988. He had at his disposal private instructors – perhaps a parent who used to pitch or a high school coach who worked with talented youngsters.

Baseball was the Windham native’s primary sport, and these were his options less than 20 years ago.

“Today, if I was 12 years old, I can play a 70-game AAU schedule. Today, private instruction is run by college coaches, past professional players or at minimum, college players. It’s really an expertise,” said Yennaco, who offers private lessons mainly to high school and college-age players but has had parents of youth players approach him.

“I’ve worked with 7-, 8-year-olds,” he continued. “But I think there are parents out there who would have a 4-year-old come, although I necessarily wouldn’t encourage it.”

Yet, that is the reality for families whose children have chosen to take their athletic abilities to the next level.

With individualized lessons on the rise and more chances to play on a regional or national stage, many families willingly devote the extra time and money, and do so far more than they used to.

Ed Skovron, president of the New England AAU office, said the organization was home to 15,000 regional members when he took over roughly six years ago.

Now, with the addition of more sports like lacrosse and diving, New England AAU features roughly 25,000 members, Skovron said.

The biggest growth among the more established sports has come in baseball, up to 4,000 from 2,500 four years ago, he said.

“That’s what’s happened – kids that have that type of ability, the parents want to see the maximum ability that they have,” said Skovron, who’s been involved with AAU since 1990.

Today, Skovron agreed, families are more concerned with realizing their young athlete’s potential.

“Absolutely,” he said. “All you need to do (to understand why) is go down to Disney World when
they run the (AAU national championships) down there, and you’ll see 375 Division I coaches watching kids there play basketball.”

The draw of earning a college scholarship is strong for many talented athletes, but not every AAU athlete is after that.

“I think you have to play AAU basketball if you want to make the school team or to continue to play,” said Chrissy Sylvain, a Weare native who started the Weare Lady Generals 14-and-under AAU girls basketball team this year. “Even if you want to play (junior varsity), you have to play AAU. If you don’t play, you’re really behind everyone else.”

That’s where many coaches and parents feel youth sports have moved. And it’s not cheap.

Marianne Philbrick, for example, said her family pays $1,500 for Ben to play AAU baseball with the Black Flies.Yennaco, who also serves as the Nashua Pride’s pitching coach, said private instruction for baseball players, depending on the instructor, can run from $30 to $45 for a 30-minute lesson and $55 to $75 for an hour.

Rob Day, goalie coach for the Hooksett-based New Hampshire Jr. Monarchs and co-founder of Puckstoppers goaltending, said private instruction in his field can range from $80 to $100 per hour and, in some cases, up to $300 per hour.

He also estimates there are eight to 10 legitimate goaltending instructors in New Hampshire alone.

“The day of the three-sport guy is pretty much gone,” said Day, who has 139 athletes in his database and added 65 in the last two years. He said he’s worked with some as young as 8. “The bar has been raised quite a bit. There are more opportunities for kids, but everybody’s always looking for that little edge.”

The sacrifice

When Bob Nagri drives through his neighborhood, he sees driveway basketball hoops and hockey nets. Much like in his home, he knows there are buckets of balls and sticks in neighboring garages and basements.

Rarely does he see kids playing with them.

“When I was a kid, we’d rush home, get our homework done and get out there playing as a group until the lights went out,” Nagri said. “Now, they do their homework, and they have a half an hour before they have to be at practice.”

It’s just another subtle change in the landscape of youth sports. The costs, which several families estimated were $5,000 to $15,000 annually, stand out.

The miles do, too. Scott Sprague and his wife, Lisa, whose two sons play travel hockey, bought a sedan a year and a half ago for better gas mileage on tournament trips to Canada. The car, new then, now has 36,000 miles on it.

Steve and Kelly Kirkpatrick, Bedford residents with four boys who play year-round sports, have two minivans to make the travel easier.

But maybe it’s the small changes – fewer family dinners, lazy Saturday afternoons that are no more, extinction of family vacations taken on a whim – that stand out most.

“Family life in general has changed,” said Steve Kirkpatrick. “It’s more accepted that parents take their kids one direction or another a lot of different nights, and they give up family dinners and stuff like that.”

In the end, these are changes they embrace.

“My life is around my kids,” said Colleen Nagri. “So if they want to do it, I’ll do whatever I can to make it happen.”