The State of Youth Sports
Data-driven insights into costs, participation, and development trends.
70%
of kids drop out of organized sports by age 13
$4,200
average annual travel team cost in 2026
60%
growth in girls flag football since 2020
Average Travel Team Cost
Annual cost per child for travel/club team participation, including registration, travel, tournaments, and gear.
Source: Aspen Institute Project Play
Youth Sports Participation Rate
Percentage of children ages 6-12 who played a team sport at least once during the year.
Source: Aspen Institute State of Play
Youth Sports Dropout by Age 13
Percentage of youth athletes who drop out of organized sports by age 13, driven by burnout, cost, and lack of fun.
Girls Flag Football Participation
Number of high school girls participating in sanctioned flag football programs nationwide.
Sources
- Aspen Institute Project Play - State of Play 2024
- NFHS High School Participation Survey
- National Alliance for Youth Sports
Data compiled for educational purposes. Some figures are estimates based on reported trends. Always check original sources for the latest numbers.