BILLINGS, Mont. - s4story -- First Things Child Care in Billings, MT is sponsoring a girl's soccer team for the 2024 spring season.

Why would a daycare that serves kids ages 2-5 sponsor a team of eight and nine-year-olds?

First, sponsorship keeps costs low for area kids. High enrollment fees prevent some kids from joining sports leagues. The cost barrier hurts everyone. That's because organized sports teach kids valuable life skills.

A second reason for the sponsorship is to encourage movement. According to Mike Devaney, director of First Things, the soccer team has a lot in common with his daycare:

"Soccer is an extension of what we do at the daycare. Players are improving stamina, agility, and balance with every practice and game. They're losing the fear of getting hurt. At the daycare the kids are younger but they're getting many of the same benefits. Not by soccer but through natural play. They dig in the dirt, climb fences, hang upside down, and run nonstop."

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Physical movement, whether through sports or free play, helps children stay strong and maintain a healthy weight. In the United States, one in three children is either overweight or obese. A prime cause of excess weight is a lack of movement.

First Things Child Care is a screen-free daycare in Billings, MT. Kids here play outdoor for 2-3 hours daily, year-round and most learn to read before kindergarten. Learn more at https://firstthingschildcare.com/.