According to the National Survey of Children’s Health (NSCH), an estimated 53.8% of children aged 6 to 17 played on a sports team or took athletics lessons as of 2022, which was 5% less than previous years.
There are many barriers that come into play regarding the decreasing participation in sports. Some of these obstacles may include the cost and lack of access to programs and facilities.
Youth sports not only have a major impact on families’ income but have an uninspiring impact on athletes.
Club teams have become increasingly popular as they are viewed to help players continue playing at the collegiate level. That being said, the club system excludes talented athletes who cannot afford such expensive fees.
Sports organizations provide many benefits such as learning social skills and improving talented athletes. However, these teams can be costly and require an immense time commitment.
As kids get older, the level of competition increases. Lower-income families can face difficulties in affording equipment and fees.
For example, if a child wants to play baseball, they’ll need a mitt, bat, helmet, and cleats. The cost of equipment can add up quickly, especially if it’s a “trend” to have the nicest gear available.
“A lot of kids prefer ‘drip over skill’ which is a phrase you hear a lot. As far as equipment goes, everyone tries to get the best products but could be spending a couple hundred dollars at least per year playing,” said baseball player David Reeves (12).
Teams that are higher-level typically travel, meaning players will have to pay for hotels and possibly flights.
“I have a friend who really wants to play in these high-level tournaments but doesn’t have the money to travel and participate, which has affected her desire to continue playing,” said softball and flag football player Caitlyn Barry (9).
Additionally, the first-time purchase of a uniform set and then the cost of replacing parts of it every year are also costs for a child’s family.
“Knee pads, volleyballs, everything accumulates and the items you have to keep repurchasing is what adds up,” said volleyball player Aliyah Othman (10).
As of Fall 2022, Project Play found the average annual cost for a child playing being $693 per year, but children who partake in elite programs frequently spend $12,000 per year or more.
The cost could range more or less. All kids have to play-to-play which impacts whether or not they’ll be able to participate, depending on if they can afford the cost.
“I think it stops people that are talented and gifted because money and transportation prevents them from being able to further their skills and continue to develop,” said soccer player William Hebda (12).
Furthermore, higher income families are able to pay for better coaching. One-on-one training can get expensive, as the average cost is no less than $30.
Student-athletes who have had the privilege to consistently play their sport typically are noticed by coaches and more likely to make the high school team.
“People that have a background and are playing year round, coaches are looking for kids who are constantly playing and improving on a level they know is talented,” said Hebda.
With the rise in price, nonprofit programs have come together to provide children a chance to play. Established in 2019,a non-profit organization ‘All Kids Play’ aims to help address challenges in youth sports.
“We help kids from low income families access sports through our grant program, which provides funding for registration fees, equipment and other associated costs,” said the All Kids Play website.
Every child deserves a chance to play, and with the help of these organizations, opportunities have become possible.
