Youth Sports

Championed by the National Recreation and Park Association

Your
Kids &
Sports

Photo courtesy of Jack Holland.

Getting your child interested in youth sports starts with a simple conversation.

Three generations fishing and teenagers paddle-boarding.

Research shows that YOU — parents and caregivers — are one of the most important factors influencing a child’s decision to play youth sports. Connecting with your kids about all the reasons they’ll love park and recreation youth sports is the first step to getting kids in the game (and enjoying the lifelong benefits of youth sports and staying active).

(Hint: Studies also show that children want a place where they feel welcome to play and have fun!)

We made it easy to explore the possibilities together with this guide, a downloadable PDF that helps parents and caregivers like you get your child excited about youth sports.

Print it out, save a photo to your phone or share it with other families. Use the guide however it works best for you!

Get Started
Download the Conversation Guide
kids playing adaptive tennis
Photo courtesy of Juan Carlos Chan, City of Los Angeles Department of Recreation and Parks.

Almost ready, but want to learn more about the benefits of youth sports first?

Learn More

Our research includes data pulled from Project Play, the signature initiative of the Aspen Institute’s Sports & Society Program, the Rand Corporation, the National Library of Medicine, the Sequor Youth Development Initiative and NRPA focus group and survey findings.

Jack
“It’s just fun, mom!”
Jack, age 11 basketball player, Columbus (Ohio) Recreation and Parks Department