Benefits of Youth Sports
It's well known that participation in youth sports has profound effects on a child's development that echo into adulthood. Below you'll find a summary of research statistics surfaced in the 2018 Kids Sport Facts: The Aspen Institute Project Play which highlight the benefits of – and challenges in – youth sports today.
EARLY CHILDHOOD
PHYSICALLY ACTIVE CHILDREN
1/10
less likely to
be obese
Up to 40%
higher test scores
ADOLESCENCE
LESS
smoking, drug use, pregnancy and risky sex
15%
more likely to go
to college
7-8%
higher earnings
ADULTHOOD
LOWER
health costs
MORE
productive at work
REDUCED
risk of heart disease, stroke, cancer & diabetes.
Challenges in Youth Sports *
Families that can afford more, play more.
32% of parents from households making less than $50,000 a year told researchers that sports cost too much and make it difficult for their child to continue participating. That is compared to the 1 in 6 parents (16%) from households making $50,000 a year or more who said the same.
The 2016 Sports & Fitness Industry Association (SFIA) report found only 35% of kids ages 6 to 12 from homes with $25,000 or less in income played team sports, compared to 68% of kids from $100,000+ homes.
INCOME IMPACTS SPORT PARTICIPATION *
Percentage of core participants, by household income
FOOTBALL
(tackle)
BASEBALL
BASKETBALL
SOCCER
(outdoor)
SWIMMING
(team)
LACROSSE
Access is not equal.
KEY INDICATORS OF EARLY ACCESS *
Average age at entry into organized or team sports.
Age (years / months)
GENDER
RACE/ETHNICITY
PARENT MARITAL STATUS
CHILD EXERCISE FREQUENCY
HOUSEHOLD INCOME
If you represent an organization that meets our guidelines and is in need of funding support, please submit your information below.
Eligibility & Application
Due to a high volume of requests, The Crumb Foundation is able to assist only a limited number of select organizations. We ask that you please review the following guidelines before applying for funding.
ASSISTANCE GUIDELINES AND ELIGIBILITY
- Must be a youth sports or athletic organization with non-profit status, focused on youth soccer, basketball, hockey, baseball or football (USA Only).
- Athletic opportunities in your organization are provided for all children, regardless of socioeconomic status, religious beliefs or ethnic backgrounds.
- Your athletic programs place an emphasis on character, teamwork, academic excellence and sportsmanship.
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You can donate to The Crumb Foundation securely online or via check sent regular mail. We are a nonprofit corporation with tax exempt status under internal revenue code 501(c)(3), therefore any amounts donated are tax deductible.
Make checks payable to The Crumb Foundation, Inc. and mail to
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Resources
Free fundraising & financial management tools for youth sports teams, clubs & leagues.
The Aspen Institute's annual look at trends in youth sports, including the 2017 participation/coach training data.
The Aspen Institute's tool to help children and parents make informed decisions based on health when picking sports to play.
The Aspen Institute's free 30-minute course on how to coach kids 12-and-under, plus sport-specific resources.
Our Team
Kristen Gocke
CO-Founder & Executive Director
10+ years management, fundraising, and financial oversight experience in club level youth sports programs.
Ryan Eckel
Advisor
President – Tracksmith.Former VP of Strategy & Innovation at Dicks Sporting Goods / Co-executive director – SportsMatter.org.
Travis Leach
Advisor
Partner – DLA Piper. Member of the Fiesta Bowl Committee. Member of the Arizona Coyotes Foundation.
BRIAN MOHR
ADVISOR
Principal – Mohr Impact Group. President – Conscious Capitalism Arizona. Board Director – Better Business Bureau Pacific Southwest.
DARREN WILSON
Advisor
Entrepreneur and strategist with 20 years experience in the sports and marketing community.
ZACh FERRES
Advisor
CEO – Coplex. Founding Partner – Coplex Ventures. Contributor – Entrepreneur Media.