As of 2022, an estimated 26.8 million children participate in youth sports.
This figure represents children aged 6 to 17 who are involved in some form of organized sports activity. Data indicates that approximately 53.8% of children in this age group played on a sports team or took sports lessons in 2022.
Trends in Youth Sports Participation
The landscape of youth sports participation has experienced a shift in recent years. While 53.8% of children aged 6 to 17 participated in sports in 2022, this marks a decrease from 58.4% recorded in 2017. This decline suggests a changing dynamic in how children engage with sports over time.
Participation Snapshot (2022)
To provide a clearer picture, here is a breakdown of youth sports involvement for children aged 6 to 17 in 2022:
| Category | Number of Kids (Millions) | Percentage of 6-17 Year Olds |
|---|---|---|
| Participated in Sports | 26.8 | 53.8% |
| Did Not Participate in Sports | 23.0 | 46.2% |
What Constitutes Youth Sports Participation?
For the purpose of these statistics, youth sports participation encompasses more than just competitive team sports. It broadly includes:
- Playing on an organized sports team: This refers to involvement in any structured team sport, whether it's through school, a local club, or a recreational league.
- Taking sports lessons: This covers individual or group instruction in various sports, such as swimming, gymnastics, martial arts, or tennis.
This comprehensive definition helps capture a wide array of structured physical activities that children and adolescents engage in, reflecting the diverse nature of youth sports.
