Disney/Pop Warner Article

[NUHuskies#1]

This story has been ciruclating up here in the Boston Herald for a couple of days now and it is very distressing to think that these kids may not be able to go. I believe that this group is from the Dorchester area of Boston and Dorchester is NOT a suburb of Boston it is more like an "inner-city" section of Boston. Most of these kids parents, grandparents and guardians cannot afford to send these children to Disney World and that is why the story is getting so much attention. Sometimes I think we take for granted how lucky we are that we are able to take our children to WDW whenever we want, these kids aren't as fortunate.

 

[sue1013]

When our kids went only the players, coaches and chaperones were required to stay on site. Some families didn't go and some stayed off site. Disney did make good priced packages available to families if they wanted to stay on site but it was not a requirement.

 

[boomhauer]

This story has been ciruclating up here in the Boston Herald for a couple of days now and it is very distressing to think that these kids may not be able to go. I believe that this group is from the Dorchester area of Boston and Dorchester is NOT a suburb of Boston it is more like an "inner-city" section of Boston. Most of these kids parents, grandparents and guardians cannot afford to send these children to Disney World and that is why the story is getting so much attention. Sometimes I think we take for granted how lucky we are that we are able to take our children to WDW whenever we want, these kids aren't as fortunate.

Oh, I feel for the kids, please don't get me wrong.

I just think this coach is way out of line. Clearly, he doesn't understand what he's talking about. I think he's being so heavily criticized here, simply because we all know what it costs to go to Disney World, and they're getting a heck of a deal - One that I'm sure any of us would like to get.

 

[frayedend]

While I understand what you are saying, and forgive this for sounding rude, but why should Disney host this event, allow people to stay offsite at a competing resort, and spend money at a competing park?

You don't sound rude. I understand what you are saying. I just don't know that the only benefit to Disney is the people spending money in the park. If that is it, then I can see the point. Perhaps they could just charge a fee for hosting the event to people choosing not to stay onsite. I don't think player would be staying at Universal and spending their money there. I just think they may look for cheaper alternatives so they can go. The system as it is now probably prevents a lot of people from going, and then the team isn't complete and the game really has no meaning.

 

[frayedend]

This story has been ciruclating up here in the Boston Herald for a couple of days now and it is very distressing to think that these kids may not be able to go. I believe that this group is from the Dorchester area of Boston and Dorchester is NOT a suburb of Boston it is more like an "inner-city" section of Boston. Most of these kids parents, grandparents and guardians cannot afford to send these children to Disney World and that is why the story is getting so much attention. Sometimes I think we take for granted how lucky we are that we are able to take our children to WDW whenever we want, these kids aren't as fortunate.

I didn't say Dorchester was a suburb of Boston. What I said was that people will donate to an "inner city" team but may not be as apt to donate to a middle class suburb (such as Shrewsbury) so there were kids in Shrewsbury that would not have been able to go (had they won that last game).

And since you mentioned it, not all of us can afford to go to Disney whenever we want. A lot of the kids from Shrewsbury were not sure they would be able to go. I know I can't go anytime I want. That would be nice.

 

[Mecha Figment]

this guy is complaining because all he wants is a free ride.. and if he shouts loud enough he'll probably get it.

I understand that it may be steep.. but get those kids out there to was cars.. fund raise do something.. but don't sit on your butt and complain.. boo hooo we don't have money.. go out and make it. makes me mad

 

[boomhauer]

this guy is complaining because all he wants is a free ride.. and if he shouts loud enough he'll probably get it.

I understand that it may be steep.. but get those kids out there to was cars.. fund raise do something.. but don't sit on your butt and complain.. boo hooo we don't have money.. go out and make it. makes me mad

 

[frayedend]

My DH has been on the Pop Warner board in our town for at least 10 yrs. Another poster said Pop Warner is not allowed to have money at the end of the year completely false. Infact ours has at least $50,000 at all times. Fundraising should not wait until you make the superbowl it should be done each year. Football is a very expensive sport to equip all the kids with helmets, pads, practice and game uniforms that constantly need to be replaced. I feel bad if the kids won't be able to go but that coach needs to be complaining to the board instead of Disney.

I made the thing about not having the money. That was the answer I got when I asked why the teams had no funding put aside for things like this. Don't get me wrong, I think the players and sufficient chaperones should be covered and the family members that want to go should plan for paying. Heck, if you don't make it that far you'll have saved for a nice vacation anyhow.

 

[NUHuskies#1]

this guy is complaining because all he wants is a free ride.. and if he shouts loud enough he'll probably get it.

I understand that it may be steep.. but get those kids out there to was cars.. fund raise do something.. but don't sit on your butt and complain.. boo hooo we don't have money.. go out and make it. makes me mad

Well, I for one hope that he does get the "free ride" because I'd hate to see the kids miss out because of the inadequacies of adults.

 

[Mecha Figment]

i would like to point out that it is not disney who is organizing this event .. it is pop warner.. they chose to do the tournament there.. so in now way is Disney responsible for paying the teams ways.. no .. not at all.
in fact they don't even have to give thema discount if they don't want to.
things don't come free in life.
and besides.. judging from the ages stated.. and being around kids..disney has to cover the damage these kids will more than likely cause to some of the rooms. as well as the liability insurance they pay for the atheletic facilities.

 

[disneyfreakjackie]

YES!! Fundraising is the key! Our girls "tagged" (begged at store fronts! ) several times before they even qualified. Sold Candy, candles, etc to get those funds up! Once they did qualify, they had about 2 1/2 weeks before the big event! They tagged again and the girls and their families went to each business in town and asked for donations for the girls to get to Nationals. It just takes a little work, it seems like this guy is trying to get a free handout without putting in the effort.

BTW, Each year my girls went (three times for one daughter and one time for another), they were completely paid for, including airfare, as well and I as I was a coach. Every cheerleader, coach and student coach was given over $600 each every time we qualified. So it can be done with fundraising. Also, I know the Eastern Region gives each qualifying team a big chunk of money to go.

 

[frayedend]

YES!! Fundraising is the key! Our girls "tagged" (begged at store fronts! ) several times before they even qualified. Sold Candy, candles, etc to get those funds up! Once they did qualify, they had about 2 1/2 weeks before the big event! They tagged again and the girls and their families went to each business in town and asked for donations for the girls to get to Nationals. It just takes a little work, it seems like this guy is trying to get a free handout without putting in the effort.

BTW, Each year my girls went (three times for one daughter and one time for another), they were completely paid for, including airfare, as well and I as I was a coach. Every cheerleader, coach and student coach was given over $600 each every time we qualified. So it can be done with fundraising. Also, I know the Eastern Region gives each qualifying team a big chunk of money to go.

I think the pop warner teams need to have some better fund raising that goes all season rather than scrambling in the last week for the teams that make it. Let's assume that a certain number of teams, say 8, per region, and 8 regions will go to Disney for the 64 teams (I'm not really sure of the number or regions or how many levels of teams go). The region should assume that funds will be needed for 8 teams, and guessing at $40K per team puts us at $320K. Then each region should have a fundraiser for that amount and all of the teams should work on it all season long. If they make it, they have the money, if the don't then the money is there for the other teams. Now, I know the losing teams may not be happy about giving the money to another team but the operative word here is "team". Plus it gives them motivation to win! I don't blame Disney. I don't know if they actually need the money from the packages to cover costs or not, but the football teams do need to be responsible. The problem we had with Pop Warner was that nothing was mentioned about Disney until the play-offs and package prices etc weren't even given to us until one game away. There simply wasn't enough info out there and it needs to be given at the start of the season.

 

[DizBelle]

This story has been ciruclating up here in the Boston Herald for a couple of days now and it is very distressing to think that these kids may not be able to go. I believe that this group is from the Dorchester area of Boston and Dorchester is NOT a suburb of Boston it is more like an "inner-city" section of Boston. Most of these kids parents, grandparents and guardians cannot afford to send these children to Disney World and that is why the story is getting so much attention. Sometimes I think we take for granted how lucky we are that we are able to take our children to WDW whenever we want, these kids aren't as fortunate.

I don't consider myself "fortunate" at all. Fortune had nothing to do with it. I call it working my booty off in school and in my work life to ensure that I can provide for myself and my family in the way I see fit.

There has to be a way for Disney to accomodate those that cannot or do not want to stay onsite. Charge a separate facility fee to those staying off site. But these folks need to realize that you do not get on site privileges when staying off site. You're going to have to find your own way to the competition events and the parks - just like anyone else staying off site.

 

[mamacatnv]

Just to play devils advocate - it would be interesting to know how many teams/kids who have earned a spot do not actually go do to lack of funds. (Does not the Pop-Warner association step in when needed?) Sometimes the big media blitzes are done for the purpose of putting a spotlight where it needs to be. I don't know much about the Pop-Warner organization as where I live it spent more time in trouble(lost charter, etc) than not and we opted for Baseball I do know from my baseball years that our league had very mixed demographics and the board put away money every year for "travel" in the event the teams ever made it past local competitions. Well it took 14 years but this year the teams went regional and fortunately the contributions however small over the years really made a difference. We also encountered "families" that wanted to attend and complained about the cost, bottom line was get the kids, coaches and necessary chaperones to the tournaments - the "families" are on their own.

IMHO this is not a Disney issue this is a Pop Warner issue. Hopefully the screamin coach will get the attention of the folks with deeper pockets and this matter will be resolved - it seems unfortunate that he is aiming his displeasure at Disney and not at Pop Warner

 

[disneyfreakjackie]

There has to be a way for Disney to accomodate those that cannot or do not want to stay onsite. Charge a separate facility fee to those staying off site. But these folks need to realize that you do not get on site privileges when staying off site. You're going to have to find your own way to the competition events and the parks - just like anyone else staying off site.

The thing is that these are TEAM sports and the teams must stay together. I am only knowledgable in cheerleading here, but I know if one person is missing on the cheer squad it effects the entire team! There are no alternates in PW cheer. So having participants all over Florida is not an option in PW cheering.

One thing that was not mentioned (I don't think) is that Pop Warner/Disney only requires that the PARTICIPANT buys a THREE night package.

 

[allaboutmm]

IMO....I do not think they should get a "free ride". Fundraising, I am pretty sure can be done long before any scheduled events. In my town ( which has Pop Warner) the youth sports are alway trying to raise $ , either with bake sales, car washes, selling candy bars etc....This is for the "extras" their "rainy day $". It's so important to teach children how you work for what you want, not just whine or sit there and feel bad for you situation, get up and do your best. After trying to raise the funds to go, if someone falls short ,the league should step up to the plate ( or goal post! ). They should feel so proud of themselves not only for reaching their goal in football, but working hard to earn their money to go. Please be nice....this is only my opinion.

 

[frayedend]

IMO....I do not think they should get a "free ride". Fundraising, I am pretty sure can be done long before any scheduled events. In my town ( which has Pop Warner) the youth sports are alway trying to raise $ , either with bake sales, car washes, selling candy bars etc....This is for the "extras" their "rainy day $". It's so important to teach children how you work for what you want, not just whine or sit there and feel bad for you situation, get up and do your best. After trying to raise the funds to go, if someone falls short ,the league should step up to the plate ( or goal post! ). They should feel so proud of themselves not only for reaching their goal in football, but working hard to earn their money to go. Please be nice....this is only my opinion.

You are absolutely right. The problem they seem to have is that they don't plan on making it to the superbowl so they don't plan fundraising early enough.

 

[boomhauer]

You are absolutely right. The problem they seem to have is that they don't plan on making it to the superbowl so they don't plan fundraising early enough.

Exactly.

This is what bewilders me. How can they blame Disney for this? If they don't like the price - Don't go. It's so silly.