‘Parentemonials’: Ryan

Ryan is a teacher, coach, and parent with two kids in their very first season of Free Play for Kids—and the impact is already clear!

From getting off the couch and away from screens 📱➡️🏃‍♂️ to learning how to lead, his kids are discovering new sports, building friendships, and gaining confidence—without the pressure to compete or be the best athlete.

“Free Play for me has been a bit of a blessing ... they're exposed to different sports” Ryan shares.

With locations close to home and school, Ryan can easily fit in his own coaching while knowing his kids are active, supported, and thriving 🙌🏽

Our ✨ Parentimonials 💫 series will focus on sharing stories from families that benefit from Free Play For Kids!

Transcript

It's one of those things where it gets him off the couch. With this generation, it's all screens. When I was growing up, we came home from school and went right back outside.

Now, my son is doing something active after school for at least an hour. I really like that he has that opportunity. Then he can come home and have his screen time.

I’m Ryan. I’ve got two kids in Free Play for Kids, and this is their first season with the program.

I think for them it’s more about the social dynamic—working with other kids, getting to know them, and having a shared activity they all enjoy. It’s about going out, having fun, and not feeling pressured to win. He doesn’t have to be the best athlete out there.

He already plays rugby, so he gets that competitive outlet elsewhere. But Free Play gives him something different—something low-pressure and enjoyable.

I've started to notice him taking on more responsibility and trying to be a leader, which is really great. He’s also becoming more interested in other sports. That’s so important at this age.

Like Gretzky said, kids shouldn’t be playing just one sport—they should be exposed to everything. It’s tough to find things that kids are interested in besides video games, and that keep them engaged throughout the year. Free Play has been a bit of a blessing for us in that way. It’s exposing them to new sports and helping them grow.

It’s also incredibly convenient. The location is close, they don’t have to go far, and when I’m done work, I can head over since I’m nearby. Sometimes I just sit and wait, or if I’m coaching rugby at my school or at Eastglen, I know they’re occupied and engaged.

I can go do my coaching, come back, and pick him up—and he’s not just sitting around doing nothing.

Our ✨ Parentemonials 💫 series will focus on sharing stories from families that benefit from Free Play For Kids!