Andrew Petcash sits down with Tom Farrey, Founder of the Aspen Institute Sports and Society
They dive deeper into the Aspen Institute latest report and where he sees youth sports headed.
Chapters:
(2:52) – Landscape of Youth Sports and Private Equity
(6:07) – The Role of Government in Youth Sports
(8:52) – Data, AI, and the Future of Youth Sports
(12:08) – Trends in Youth Sports Participation
(15:09) – The Impact of Major Sporting Events
(18:09) – Goals for Increasing Youth Sports Participation
(20:50) – About the Aspen Institute and Future Initiatives
In an era when youth sports participation rates are declining and the costs of organized athletics continue to soar, one organization has made it its mission to reimagine the landscape of youth sports. The Aspen Institute’s Sports & Society Program, founded by acclaimed journalist Tom Farrey, is spearheading a movement to make sports more accessible, equitable, and impactful for young athletes across the globe.
At the heart of the Aspen Institute’s efforts is its flagship initiative, Project Play. Launched in 2013, Project Play brings together leaders from across sectors – including sports, healthcare, education, and community development – to address the systemic challenges facing youth sports. Through research, advocacy, and collaborative initiatives, Project Play has mobilized over $60 million in grants to support community-level programs and drive system-level change.
“The goal of Project Play is to ensure that every child has the opportunity to participate in sports and reap the myriad benefits they provide,” explains Farrey, a former ESPN journalist whose reporting has earned top awards and catalyzed national conversations on youth sports reform. “We know that physical activity is crucial for a child’s physical, mental, and social development, yet too many kids are being left on the sidelines due to barriers like cost, lack of access, and unsafe environments.”
Project Play’s multi-pronged approach tackles these issues head-on. Its campaigns, like the #DontRETIREKid movement, have sparked global attention and action to keep kids engaged in healthy, accessible sports throughout their childhood and adolescence. The program also produces groundbreaking research, hosts the annual Project Play Summit, and offers comprehensive resources like the Sport for All, Play for Life playbook – all in service of its mission to create system-level solutions.
At the heart of Project Play’s success is its vast network of over 20,000 leaders, including 141 Project Play Champion organizations, who collaborate on strategies to make sports more inclusive and impactful for all kids. From community recreation centers to national sports governing bodies, this diverse coalition is working tirelessly to reshape the youth sports landscape.
“By bringing together stakeholders from across the sports ecosystem, we’re able to develop holistic, evidence-based approaches to the challenges facing young athletes,” says Farrey. “Our ultimate goal is to create a healthier, more equitable future where every child has the opportunity to experience the joy, personal growth, and lifelong benefits of sports participation.”
As the Aspen Institute’s Project Play continues to drive progress, the impact of its work can be seen in communities around the world. From increased funding for after-school sports programs to nationwide initiatives to train more diverse coaches, the program’s influence is transforming the lives of young athletes one community at a time.
“Sports have the power to change lives, but only if they are accessible and inclusive,” Farrey reflects. “With Project Play, we’re working to ensure that every child, regardless of their background or circumstances, can experience the transformative power of sports.”
via: The Petcash Pod
