Nearly 4,000 young people were asked what draws them into sports, what pushes them out and what keeps nonparticipants on the sidelines.
The Aspen Institute’s Project Play partnered with Utah State University and Louisiana Tech University on a national survey of youth ages 10–17, including current players, former players and young people who have never participated in organized sports.
The findings reinforce a basic truth that the commercial system can overlook: fun and time with friends are the strongest reasons young people play. Parent support or pressure can shape the experience, fear of injury is a barrier for many nonparticipants, and schools and public facilities play an important role in access.
The survey also found that current players strongly associate sports with improved mental state and social connection. That makes the quality of the environment—not only the competition—central to participation and retention.
WHY IT MATTERS TO GAMEPLAN
MatchINDOOR brings together the operators and suppliers who influence that environment every day. Better facilities, equipment, technology, scheduling, risk management and operating practices can help organizations serve athletes more effectively while running stronger businesses.