Youth sports is in decline, according to a new report published by the Sports & Fitness Industry Association and the Aspen Institute.
Between the high cost of coaching and specialization, athletic participation for kids is down almost 8 percent over the past ten years. Resource is a big factor in the decline, especially that from the family. Children from low-income households are half as likely to play team sports than children from households earning at least $100,000. And private coaching sessions can add up for leagues, according to the study.
Why do we see up and down trends for sports? What does it mean when youth sports professionalize? What’s the role of parental participation in the world of recreational league? Larry Mantle asks these questions to Jacob Bogage, sports writer for the Washington Post.
Guest:
Jacob Bogage, sports writer for the Washington Post; he wrote the article “Youth sports study: Declining participation, rising costs and unqualified coaches”
