What is the best digital camera for my kids sports? needs to get action shots, close-ups, and easy to use.?

To get close ups, you need a long zoom. And for fast moving action, you also need a lens with a fast response, sometimes called 'fast glass'. I would recommend the Canon S5 IS. have a very long lens, and is pretty fast. Works well in fully automatic mode. Above that, you need to look at a DSLR, such as a Pentax K100D and a zoom lens. This will be bigger to hold/carry, and more than twice the price with a fast , big zoom.

To capture fast-moving events you'll need a camera with very little shutter lag (time between you pressing the button and the camera making the image) and fast autofocus. In my experience, point-and-shoot cameras will miss a lot of shots because they don't have quick enough reflexes. I'd strongly recommend investing in a DSLR like Nikon's D40 and an inexpensive zoom lens like their 70-300 G. Yes, this kit will be more a fair bit more expensive than a point-and shoot, but the results will be pro-quality and your kids will be mightily impressed.