Home-schooled students and sports

Home-schooling is on the rise, according to the National Center for Education Statistics. Between 1999 and 2007, there was a 74 percent increase in the number of youngsters being educated at home.

While families list various reasons for their decision to home-school, one of the challenges some face is how to get their kids involved in sports.

"You need an outlet, an activity, exercise," David Fedak, a home-schooling father and basketball coach, told The Daily Record. "Some kids play for their high school, some play for their church. We play for our home-school group. It's like an identity."

Home-schooled families in a certain area can join forces to form a team, or they can use online resources such as the Home School Sports Network (HSPN) to find a local team. Basketball, baseball, bowling, football, field hockey, softball and ultimate frisbee are all available.

Teams cite scheduling, and a lack of a gym for practices and games as some of the biggest challenges for home-school teams.

Lack of equipment may also be a problem for some. Those who want to start a team and get everything they need should consider purchasing used sports equipment to keep costs low.