Youth Sports Research Paper

Evie Dunagan
Mrs. Miklos
Honors English 12
29 September 2014 Youth Sports Come at a Steep Cost Organized youth sports are highly popular for youth and their families, with approximately 45 million children and adolescent participants in the US. Seventy five percent of American families with school-aged children have at least one child participating in organized sports (Paddock). On the surface, it appears that US children are healthy and happy as they engage in this traditional pastime, and families report higher levels of satisfaction if their children participate. However, research shows that youth sports have lasting negative effects on young athletes. There is a major risk of injury for athletes of all ages when participating…show more content…
Basic costs include uniforms, equipment, league fees, travel expenses, and footwear (Watkins). Urban youth have additional expenses with neighborhood fields and recreational centers not being maintained, and sport and safety equipment being outdated or damaged. A decrease in governmental funding for youth after-school programs has limited accessibility for sports participation in lower socioeconomic areas (White). Dwindling financial resources also contribute to attrition in sports. Fortunately, a few nonprofit organizations are emerging from inner cities to provide positive opportunities for at-risk youth…show more content…
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