Youth Sports

Championed by the National Recreation and Park Association

Parks &
Recreation

Every day, in communities across the country, park and recreation professionals are providing essential programs, services and spaces that make the places where people live, learn, work and play happier and healthier. One of the greatest roles that park and recreation professionals play in communities includes connecting kids and families to high-quality, equitable and inclusive youth sports opportunities.

adaptive tennis, girls at the pool
From left: Photo courtesy of Danica Kulumeka; Photo courtesy of Claude Langley, Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission Department of Parks and Recreation.

Youth Sports at Park and Recreation Agencies

Park and recreation agencies are one of the largest providers of both organized and unorganized sports programs across the nation. They offer safe spaces where kids can play together, build new relationships and learn about teamwork. 

They serve all community members, including youth from under-resourced neighborhoods and households that cannot afford participation on other sports teams, such as some travel-team sports. 

As part of this work, park and recreation professionals want to ensure ALL children — no matter their ability, age, gender identity, race, ethnicity, family income or interests — feel welcome in their programs.

From soccer, football, baseball, wheelchair basketball, tennis, swimming and wrestling to cheerleading and dance, park and recreation agencies across the country offer affordable, fun sports options for your kids.

Photo courtesy of Westerville (Ohio) Parks and Recreation.

“Park and recreation professionals are essential to closing gaps in access to local, affordable, high-quality and versatile youth sports opportunities.”
Kristine Stratton NRPA President and CEO

Research shows that parents and caregivers play a key role in their child’s youth sports experience. Encouraging your child to try park and recreation youth sports (and helping them find the sport they love!) all starts with a conversation.

We’ve created an easy-to-use guide to help you talk with your kids about why they’ll love park and recreation youth sports.

Get Started
parks and recreation football team
Photo courtesy of Marcus Hopkins, District Department of Parks and Recreation (Washington, D.C.).

Why Choose Park and Recreation Youth Sports

having fun and making friends
Photo courtesy of Franklin County Parks and Recreation (Rocky Mount, Virginia).

Park and recreation agencies offer youth sports programs that focus on what children really want from playing sports: to have FUN and make FRIENDS! When kids join a new sport, park and recreation coaches and staff make sure they have fun while they learn and play. 

Because these programs are in your community, families save time and money since they don’t have to travel far for practices and games.

And perhaps most important, coaches at park and recreation agencies are invested in kids’ success because they’re caring adults from the local community who are passionate about supporting youth.

Photo courtesy of Aaron Hines, City of Greenville, North Carolina.