Austin, It's easy for your friend to laugh at families spending money and free time on sports...His sons are already very good athletes and I'm guessing, probably don't have to work as hard as others to keep their spot on the team. My son is hghly gifted and pitches for a top national traveling team. It's the only thing that keeps him somewhat accepted and respected by his peers. His academic smarts don't, unfortunately. BUT...He does have to work hard on his baseball...So we have turned into those parents who DO spend the extra money and most of our free time on his sport. Right now, it's our son's social lifeline. He LOVES it and it makes him so HAPPY. You should tell your friend not to laugh at others...