The Joe Pomp Show #230 Youth Sports Are Changing: Team Sports Down, Individual Sports Up
Nov 20, 2023
Exploring the transition from team sports to individual sports among youth athletes, the impact of COVID-19 on sports participation, the decline of tackle football and rise of flag football to minimize head trauma risks, the surge in youth participation in golf and tennis driven by various factors, and the accessibility and benefits of tennis as a recreational and affordable sport compared to other activities.
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Team Sports Participation Is Falling
- Team sports participation dropped 6% among ages 6–17 since 2019, equal to 1.2 million fewer kids playing.
- Many shifted to individual sports or non-sport activities after COVID disrupted organized play.
Cost Shapes Who Plays
- Youth sports are becoming pay-to-play earlier, raising costs and time burdens on families.
- Public funding gains helped participation rise for households earning under $25,000 from 20% to 26%.
Female Participation Is Closing The Gap
- Female youth participation rose to 34% while male participation fell to 40%, narrowing the gender gap.
- This trend may power growth in women's professional leagues over the next decade.