Today we’re digging into new research from the Aspen Institute through its Project Play initiative—an eye-opening national study that centers the voices of young people in sports.
In partnership with Utah State University and Louisiana Tech University, nearly 4,000 youth ages 10–17 were surveyed about their experiences with organized sports—whether they currently play, used to play, or have never participated.
The headline finding is both simple and powerful: kids play sports because it’s fun and because they want to be with their friends. These motivations stand in sharp contrast to a youth sports culture that often emphasizes competition, specialization, and the pursuit of college scholarships.
The study also sheds light on why some young people step away from sports—or never start at all—highlighting barriers and pressures that can diminish what should be a positive, inclusive experience.
The takeaway is clear: if we want more kids to play and stay in sports, we need to design systems that reflect what they actually value. Fun. Friendship. Belonging.
It’s a timely reminder that the future of youth sports should be built with young people, not just for them.
Read the report and all 15 key findings here – https://projectplay.org/news/aspen-institute-national-survey-of-youth-and-sports-15-key-findings