Jared Nicastro

Jesus Follower, Husband, Father, Hockey Fan, in search of the perfect sandwich & slice of pizza

[New York Magazine @NYMag]

‘Travel sports,’ a term that has come to encompass all sorts of private teams, leagues, and clubs, used to be for the truly exceptional young athlete. Now, they’re for anyone willing to pay — an expensive, exhausting commitment that has become popular not necessarily because millions of parents want them for their children but because it can feel like there’s no other choice. Rec programs are underfunded and struggle to compete with for-profit leagues for prime field, rink, and court times. And the level of play is diluted, often very early, as travel teams are incentivized to enroll children at young ages.

Around 5 million children in the U.S. now compete on travel teams. Parents find themselves trapped. They know the benefits of sports and want that for their children, yet giving it to them often means buying into a sports ecosystem that’s inherently flawed. As the pay-to-play model increasingly takes hold, so does the idea that kids should start competing at younger and younger ages, risking their sense of self along with their shoulders and ACLs.

“I never want my kids to look back and say I didn’t do everything I could to help them live their dreams,” a mother of three soccer players said. She’s hired professional photographers to take action shots for her 12- and 13-year-olds’ Instagram accounts — the platform has become a recruiting tool — and they’ve both asked her to pay for personal trainers.

“I think the word isn’t ‘specialize’; you are ‘professionalizing’ your kid early. You are exposing them to everything professionals have to deal with — I’m talking injury, time, schedule, everything,” said John Van Benschoten, a former MLB player and travel-baseball coach.

It makes one ask: All this for what? And for whom? Read Caitlin Moscatello’s cover story on how travel leagues have made youth sports more expensive, hypercompetitive, and all-consuming — and the investors who are making a killing: https://t.co/zHcKsPYfeC

[Jared Nicastro @JaredNicastro33]

@Buccigross Would you give that beauty a helluva look?

[Jared Nicastro @JaredNicastro33]

@IslesDen @DynoDangle 13 elite at possession and driving play. Decade into his career the best winger he’s played with is Eberle. Criminal

[Garrett Kell ن @pastorjgkell]

Charles Spurgeon on why we may lack joy in our walk with Jesus.

Lord, guard and guide our hearts to trust You today.

[Jared Nicastro @JaredNicastro33]

@liamgallagher My good friend’s 11 year old daughter Molly chose to play Wonderwall in her music class today & a group of boys in her class started laughing & making fun of her for it. She chose it because it was a fav song of her mom who passed away. Do you have a word for her?

[Matt Smethurst @MattSmethurst]

What Christmas is all about.

Sinclair Ferguson on the staggering wonder of the incarnation.

[Jared Nicastro @JaredNicastro33]

@AlyssaRose Shawn Bates penalty shot goal vs Toronto in the playoffs

[Jared Nicastro @JaredNicastro33]

@MarcPDumont Great to see Celine but would’ve been way better to see the pride of Quill Lake Lyle Odelein make the pick

[Jared Nicastro @JaredNicastro33]

@CoachChippy Too bad Vancouver didn’t have Phil. Could’ve used a veteran to score some goals

[Matt Smethurst @MattSmethurst]

Where to read what happened on each day of Holy Week.

Palm Sunday: Matt. 21:1–11
Monday: Matt. 21:12–22
Tuesday: Matt. 21:23–26:5
Wednesday: Matt. 26:6–16
Thursday: Matt. 26:17–75
Friday: Matt. 27:1–61
Saturday: Matt. 27:62–66
Easter Sunday: Matt. 28:1–20
https://t.co/FULa4uRcJY

[Jared Nicastro @JaredNicastro33]

@MarcPDumont @MarcPDumont Tell is something about Lyle Odelein we’ve never heard before. https://t.co/cqalbQdIO5

[Garrett Kell ن @pastorjgkell]

"Religion says, 'earn your life.'
Secular society says, 'create your life.'
Jesus says, 'My life for your life.'"

- @timkellernyc

[NHL @NHL]

TO THE ISLAND! 🏝

@UBSArena will get its first taste of #StanleyCup Playoffs action with the @NYIslanders locking up the East's final Wild Card spot!

[Timothy Keller (1950-2023) @timkellernyc]

It's easy to mistake a morally restrained heart for a spiritually changed heart.

[Jared Nicastro @JaredNicastro33]

@timkellernyc Praying for you Dr. Keller

[Garrett Kell ن @pastorjgkell]

If you go to church this Sunday, beware of going with the posture of the Pharisee,

"God, I thank you that I am not like other 'Christians,' compromisers, worldly, or even like this church-canceller. I post the truth on social media; I give the uncommitted a good example."

[Jared Nicastro @JaredNicastro33]

@JeffVanderstelt Therein lies the problem. Sunday morning isn’t about coming to see the pastors preaching performance, it’s about belonging to a family/community.

[Jared Nicastro @JaredNicastro33]

@IslesMeetups @NYIslanders 🤘

[New York Islanders @NYIslanders]

Coming home with 2 points!