Youth sports participation is climbing. In 2023, 55.4% of youth ages 6–17 played sports, up from 53.8% in 2022. According to The Aspen Institute’s State of Play 2025 report, youth sports are not just growing, they are reaching record levels of participation, filling courts and fields with more young athletes than ever before.
With more young athletes than ever stepping onto the court or field, expectations are climbing just as quickly. Players are competing hard for limited roster spots, and that intensity can create real pressure, often showing up as low self-esteem, fatigue, and early burnout.
Beyond the game, young athletes are under real strain. From navigating mental health concerns to dealing with bullying, many are facing challenges that hold them back from performing, enjoying the game, and growing through sport.
Dubbing it “early retirement,” many kids are stepping away from sports before they even reach middle school. Leaving sports at a young age can mean missing out on a more fulfilling childhood and the lifelong benefits that come from being part of a team.
The over-competitiveness that has crept into youth sports can push out kids who are not immediately viewed as “good enough” to play. These athletes are then left to cope with feelings of rejection at a time in their lives when they are most impressionable, which can contribute to long-term self-esteem challenges. By focusing on development, inclusion, and positive coaching, environments like ours aim to keep more kids on the roster – giving them space to grow at their own pace, rediscover the fun in the game, and stay confident on and off the court.
Sports provide an accessible, enjoyable way to keep kids active, helping them reach the “healthy” level of physical activity – 25 minutes of high-calorie-burning movement, three times a week – recommended by the Sports and Fitness Industry Associations. When a child quits sports, this level of activity can be difficult to maintain, especially during the winter months when outdoor options are limited. A lack of regular movement can increase the risk of obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and even certain cancers over time.
Believe it or not, staying active through sports helps kids become stronger students, too. Regular physical activity is linked to higher academic achievement, including better grades and improved performance on standardized tests. Movement also supports focus, attention, and more positive behavior in the classroom.
As young athletes continue to grow in their sport, they are more likely to earn degrees and graduate from a four-year college than their non-athlete peers. Keeping them engaged in the game on consistent schedules, in safe, well-supported environments can make a lasting difference in their confidence, their education, and their future.
Dove's #KeepHerConfident campaign spotlighted a difficult but critical issue: girls in sports are frequently judged for their bodies, and as a result, 1 in 2 girls step away from sports altogether. By addressing this challenge during one of the most watched events of the year –the Super Bowl – the campaign elevated the conversation on confidence in sports and reinforced how essential supportive, inclusive environments are for keeping girls in the game.
Similarly, Project Play’s #Don’tRetireKid campaign, featured on national platforms such as SportsCenter and Good Morning America with athletes like Kobe Bryant and Clayton Kershaw, centered on one clear goal: keeping kids in the game. Grounded in four core principles – asking kids what they want from their sports experience, reintroducing free play, encouraging multi-sport participation, and training every coach to support the whole athlete – Project Play challenged families, coaches, and facilities like ours to put young athletes first. It is a reminder that when we design programs, schedules, and environments around what kids genuinely need and enjoy, rather than what adults hope to achieve, we create sports experiences that keep them engaged, confident, and excited to come back.
As parents, coaches, teachers, and mentors, we share a responsibility to keep kids in the game by putting fun, learning, and confidence first. That means shifting the focus away from wins and losses and toward skills developed, friendships formed, and personal milestones reached. We can model positive behavior from the sidelines by staying calm, encouraging all players, keeping our emotions in check, and respecting officials and coaches. When questions or concerns arise, addressing them respectfully and at the appropriate time shows young athletes how to handle both success and disappointment in a mature way.
Most importantly, we can create an encouraging environment where every child – from the beginner to the most advanced player – has room to grow, compete, and enjoy playing sports. Balanced practice plans that mix skill-building with play, equal opportunities for participation, and constructive feedback that focuses on next steps rather than mistakes all contribute to this. By building environments that are physically safe, emotionally supportive, and inclusive of different abilities and backgrounds, we help kids stay active longer, build resilience, and carry their love of sports – and the confidence that comes with it – far beyond the court or field.