 Data: Aspen Institute; Note: Includes time spent in free play, virtual spaces, practice and competition; Chart: Axios Visuals Here's an encouraging stat: Kids' participation in sports is back to pre-pandemic levels. Why it matters: Research shows that participating in sports helps kids stay physically and mentally healthy, make friends and develop key skills, like teamwork and self-confidence. - Case in point: When sports were canceled due to COVID restrictions, 37% of youth athletes reported moderate to severe anxiety and 40% reported moderate to severe depression, according to a study in the Journal of Athletic Training.
🧮 By the numbers: Things are turning around. Children ages 5–18 are spending 16.6 hours playing sports each week, the most since before the outbreak of COVID-19, per the Aspen Institute's annual State of Play report, Jeff Tracy and Kendall Baker write in Axios Sports. ⚽ Games are back. The rebound was driven largely by increased competition, which is up 32% from last year to its pre-pandemic total of 3.7 hours per week. - Tennis and pickleball have gained popularity among kids, while tackle football participation is declining, the Aspen Institute notes.
💡 Reality check: The kids who enjoy sports may be returning, but a growing number aren't interested in sports at all. A drop in participation has been a theme for a while, and the COVID era only made things worse. - 27% of youth sports parents currently view their child's lack of interest in sports as a barrier to returning to play, per Aspen's report.
- That's up from 18% during the pandemic's early months.
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