Aspen Institute National State of Play 2024 Report
Each year, the Aspen Institute’s Sports & Society Program analyzes the state of play for young people in the United States through the values of its signature initiative, Project Play, which helps leaders build healthy communities through sports.
Data is gathered from a range of sources, consult with experts, and highlight trends that can help paint a picture of how well children are being served by adults. This year’s report, released on Tuesday, details how girls’ sports participation is increasing while boys’ sports participation is significantly declining.
Participation Trends
Youth sports participation is increasing, with more children regularly playing sports in 2023 at the highest rate since 2015. However, there is a significant decline in boys’ participation, while girls’ participation is on the rise.
Demographic Shifts
Decline in Participation Among Black Children
Decrease in Regular Participation: The report notes a significant decline in sports participation among Black children. In 2023, only 35% of Black youth aged 6-17 regularly participated in sports, down from 45% in 2013.
Comparison with Other Groups: Historically, Black children played sports at higher rates than their White peers. However, this trend has reversed, with White, Hispanic, and Asian children now participating more frequently than Black youth.
Increase in Participation Among Hispanic Children
Rising Participation Rates: Hispanic children’s participation in sports has increased, reaching its highest level since 2016. This rise is attributed to various factors, including community programs and increased visibility of Hispanic athletes.
Impact of Socioeconomic Status
Lower Participation Among Lower-Income Households: The report highlights that children from lower-income households play sports at significantly lower rates compared to those from higher-income families. Economic barriers, such as the cost of equipment, travel, and participation fees, contribute to this disparity.
Access to Resources: Children from affluent families have better access to sports facilities, coaching, and opportunities, which further widens the gap in participation rates.
Specialization and Coaching
Post-pandemic, children are specializing in one sport more than before, with the average number of sports played regularly decreasing. Parents value trustworthy and trained coaches, with more than half indicating that a trustworthy coach would increase their enthusiasm to commit their child to long-term sports activities.
Impact of Technology and Professional Leagues
Youth sports are increasingly disrupted by technology, such as artificial intelligence, and the growth of sports like flag football, which is driven by professional leagues. NCAA-driven shifts have also opened the door to NIL (Name, Image, Likeness) cash and influence.
Mental Health Training
States are recognizing the importance of mental health training for coaches. In 2024, seven high school state athletic associations required mental health training for school coaches.
Overall, the report emphasizes the dynamic nature of youth sports, influenced by various factors including technology, professional leagues, and societal changes. The Aspen Institute aims to use this data to guide efforts in building healthy communities through sports.
