As we transition into the back-to-school season, another important event is on the horizon — fall sports. Activities such as football, soccer, and hockey are ramping up for their new seasons. Parents whose children participate in these sports understand the level of commitment required, but there’s an often-ignored issue that deserves more attention: the financial inequities present in youth sports.
The financial barriers to youth sports disproportionately affect lower- to middle-income families, making competitive sports less accessible. This issue is not limited to specific sports; while it may be more pronounced in sports like soccer and baseball, where “pay-to-play” models are gaining traction, it is a widespread concern. As costs continue to climb and families struggle to afford everyday necessities, the gap in youth sports participation becomes increasingly apparent.
According to findings from The Aspen Institute’s Project Play, the number of families earning less than $75,000 involved in youth sports has been declining since 2011. Families with incomes under $50,000 have seen participation rates drop from 47.8% to 44.6%, while those earning less than $20,000 experienced the most significant decline, plummeting from 41.9% to 34.1%. In contrast, more than half (59.6%) of youth sports participants come from households earning between $50,000 and $75,000, a slight increase from 56.6% in 2017.
Conversely, the trend among affluent families participating in youth sports is on the rise. Since 2011, the percentage of children from households earning between $75,000 and $100,000 has increased from 61.5% to 64%. Families making over $100,000 have also seen steady growth, with an increase from 63.9% to 69% in 2017.
The Aspen Institute outlines several reasons children are being left behind in youth sports, noting that parents of kids on travel teams spend an average of $2,266 annually for participation. For elite teams, that expense can soar to $20,000 or more—a staggering amount for a family with an income of $25,000. As more competitive teams emerge for younger children, many are unable to afford the necessary costs even before they begin. Unsurprisingly, parents earning less than $50,000 have cited expense as a significant barrier to their children’s participation in sports.
As a parent with limited financial means, I resonate with the challenges posed by the inequities in youth sports. For my son to play soccer this fall at a local recreation center, the fee is about $85, which covers his uniform, coaching, trophies, and games. While this fee is manageable for us, many families in our community would find it prohibitive.
In Seattle, a mother named Laura recently reflected on her experiences with youth soccer. After relocating, she noticed that most players in her children’s soccer club came from wealthier neighborhoods. Although The Aspen Institute does not provide specific racial breakdowns, it is evident that racial disparities contribute to the inequity in youth sports. Participation rates among white children surpass those of African American, Hispanic, and Asian children, while data on Native American children are often overlooked.
Christine, a New Jersey mom with two sons in youth baseball, understands the sacrifices required for participation. With limited disposable income, she and her husband often have to make tough financial decisions. “We save money from Christmas until April to afford [our son’s] spring season,” she explains. They’ve even allocated tax returns to cover costs associated with their sons’ baseball activities. “If his grades slip, he has to miss practice, but I haven’t made him miss a game yet because we’re paying for it,” she adds.
If my son wishes to join a sport, both his father and I have flexible jobs that allow us to take him to practices and games. However, without a car, transportation costs could prevent him from participating.
The average American family spends around $700 on youth sports, but the financial disparities grow when considering families that may spend upwards of $35,000 annually for lessons, travel, and training. With public school budgets being slashed, fees are becoming more common. Families earning less than $50,000 often cite cost as the primary reason their children do not participate in sports.
The Aspen Institute’s executive director, Tom Farrey, points out that our current system resembles one based on “up or out,” similar to corporate America but lacking a merit-based foundation. “It disproportionately favors those from wealthier families or those who are early bloomers,” he explains.
Ultimately, it is children from low-income backgrounds who bear the brunt of these inequities. Access, transportation, and safety are significant barriers. Mara, a representative from the Kings County Tennis League, highlights that many children today lack the opportunity to engage in casual games that were once commonplace. Increasingly, younger kids may have to care for siblings or work to help support their families, especially among communities of color.
As we look forward, it’s uncertain what measures will help level the playing field in youth sports. It’s disheartening to see underprivileged kids being sidelined yet again. However, acknowledging this issue may be the first step toward fostering change.
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In summary, the financial disparities in youth sports create barriers for lower-income families, preventing many children from accessing opportunities that could foster their athletic talents. While there is a growing trend among affluent families, the gap in participation rates based on socioeconomic status is a pressing issue that requires attention and action.