EQUAL ACCESS TO SPORTS

Not all children participate in youth sports at equal measure; disparities continue for Black children, children from low-income families and especially for girls. Factors that contribute to disparities can include lack of access to facilities and leagues, cultural norms and attitudes, lack of representation in coaching and leadership positions, cost, and an absence of available programming options.

(Youth Sports in Parks and Recreation Survey in October 2024)

71%

of girls say the top barrier for youth sports participation is a lack of women coaches.

CHALLENGES

The greatest challenges in youth sports delivery are volunteer coach gaps (82%) and lack of facilities (67%).

92%

of cited youth sports activity are Team sports leagues.

FAIR ACCESS

Professionals believe that providing coach training (86%), financial resources (85%) and sports equipment (75%) are the top ways agencies can ensure fair and just access to youth sports.