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TakeBackSports.org
2025 TAKE BACK SPORTS IMPACT REPORT
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According to SFIA, 
38.8% of kids 
ages 6-12 played
on a regular basis 
in 2024.
WE’RE AT A 
CROSSROADS 
IN YOUTH 
SPORTS — 
ONLY 38% OF 
6- TO 12-YEAR-
OLDS ARE 
PLAYING 
SPORTS ON 
A REGULAR 
BASIS. 
 
For a lot of kids and families, sports have 
become less fun and more expensive. 
At the same time, sports are incredibly 
important in a child’s development. 
Research shows that kids who play sports 
have healthier outcomes physically, 
mentally and emotionally.
That’s why, at ESPN, we want to Take  
Back Sports. We want to empower 
parents, coaches and kids to take back 
sports from a system that’s prioritized 
profit over wellbeing; specialization over 
multisport play; and winning over fun.
With wide reach, deep sports expertise 
and commitment to community impact, 
ESPN can help elevate the narrative, 
invest in solutions and bring stakeholders 
together to reimagine youth sports for  
the next generation.
Participation 
for 6-12 year 
olds rose 1.2% 
in 2024, but 
declined 3.4% 
for ages 13-17.
At ESPN, we recognize that sport is a vital 
force for connection and community  
development. However, the current youth 
sports landscape is at a critical juncture.  
Participation rates for children ages 6 to 12 
have declined over the last decade to 38%. 
This trend is driven by a system that  
increasingly prioritizes profit and early  
specialization over developmental  
well-being and recreational play.
 
From a business perspective, these  
investments are foundational to our future. 
Early participation in sports is a primary  
driver of lifelong fandom; youth who play 
sports are 14 times more likely to become 
avid fans as adults. Strengthening these 
local ecosystems, families, schools and 
leagues is essential for the long-term health 
of the sports industry.
 
Through a $5 million investment in targeted 
philanthropy, along with strategic marketing  
activations, we have impacted nearly one  
million youth in our first year. We remain 
committed to the Project Play goal of  
engaging 63% of youth in sports by 2030, 
aligning our platforms and partnerships to 
ensure the next generation remains  
connected to the game.
KEVIN MARTINEZ 
Vice President, ESPN Corporate Citizenship
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TakeBackSports.org

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