Youth Sports

Championed by the National Recreation and Park Association

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When kids play sports, we ALL win.

Why Youth Sports Matter

All kids can benefit from participating in youth sports! Research tells us that sports:

Increase kids’ chances of growing up healthy.

Support kids with building friendships and learning skills like respect and teamwork.

Help students thrive in school and in future careers.

Give kids a place to have fun — the #1 reason kids say they play sports in the first place.

Park and recreation agencies offer youth sports that give all children, inclusive of those with disabilities, a fun, safe place to play where they feel like they belong: so every child can experience the benefits of youth sports.

Plus, youth sports are fun for the whole family! Parents and caregivers like you can enjoy meeting other parents and build a sense of community with families involved in youth sports.

girl running and boy in wheelchair playing basketball

Park and Recreation
Youth Sports

Park and recreation agencies are committed to providing affordable and fun sport options that help children thrive. Because the programs are local, you save time and money since you don’t have to travel far to participate. 

What’s more, park and recreation coaches are invested in kids’ success, because they’re caring adults from the community who are passionate about sports and coaching.

Get Your Kids
in the Game

Talking with your kids about why they will love park and recreation youth sports is an easy way to get kids in the game (and enjoying the lifelong benefits of youth sports). 

Not sure where to start?

Download our guide designed to help busy parents like you get the conversation started.

Get Started
boy playing soccer

Kids, Families and Coaches
Love Park and Recreation Youth Sports

Marcus
“At first, I wasn’t sure about doing it, about joining the team, cause I didn’t like the idea of being around that many kids — I can be a little bit shy. But I did it and I loved it. It’s been the most fun time of my life.”
Marcus, age 12 football player, City of New Bedford (Mass.) Parks Recreation & Beaches