Key Takeaways
- Average family spending on youth sports reaches $1,016 per child, up 46% over five years
- NFL to feature Boys & Girls Clubs partnership in Super Bowl LX Inspire Change PSA for the first time
- Corporate partners including NFL, NBA, WWE, NASCAR, and Kids Foot Locker activate around major events in February and March
- 94% of Club youth report having trusted adults, with members exceeding national fitness benchmarks
- NASCAR plans 13 at-track youth experiences nationwide in 2026
Rising Costs Meet Expanded Access
As youth sports participation costs continue climbing, Boys & Girls Clubs of America is leveraging corporate partnerships to keep programs accessible. According to The Harris Poll, families now spend an average of $1,016 per child on a primary sport, a 46% increase over the past five years.
Boys & Girls Clubs operates more than 5,500 locations nationwide, offering community-based sports programs paired with mentorship. Data from the organization’s Youth Right Now survey shows 94% of Club youth report having trusted adults they can turn to, and four in five know how to manage stress.
“For many kids and teens, sports may be the first reason they walk through the doors of a Boys & Girls Club, but what they discover beyond the game, mentorship, skill-building and a safe place to grow into the best version of themselves, can make a lasting difference in their lives,” said Dr. Jennifer Bateman, Senior Vice President of Youth Development at Boys & Girls Clubs of America.
NFL Partnership Reaches Super Bowl Stage
The NFL Foundation is expanding its relationship with Boys & Girls Clubs through its Inspire Change Initiative. For the first time in the partnership’s history, the NFL will feature Boys & Girls Clubs in its annual Inspire Change PSA airing during Conference Championships and Super Bowl LX on February 8.
Three teen leaders from Boys & Girls Clubs of West Alabama, Gila River Indian Community, and Greater St. Louis will attend the Super Bowl after completing the Inspire Change Badge Challenge. Each was recognized for community projects addressing mental health awareness, youth advocacy, and equity. Yesenia, a flag football athlete from Boys & Girls Clubs of Silicon Valley, will participate in the ceremonial coin toss.
Activations Span Major Sports Leagues
Several corporate partners are hosting youth-focused events throughout February and March:
Kids Foot Locker will host a basketball jamboree on February 14 for nearly 100 young people from Boys & Girls Clubs of Watts-Willowbrook. Each participant will receive a new pair of sneakers.
NBA is hosting National Youth of the Year Ximena V. at the All-Star Game in Los Angeles from February 13-15, providing access to media row and behind-the-scenes production.
WWE plans two activations: a workforce development experience for Metro Atlanta teens on February 23 and a Chicago Club event featuring WWE Superstars on February 27 ahead of Elimination Chamber.
NASCAR will bring 25 teens from Metro Atlanta to EchoPark Speedway for a behind-the-scenes career exploration experience, the first of 13 planned at-track events for Club youth nationwide in 2026. Driver Rajah Carruth will visit Jesse Draper Boys & Girls Club on February 19.
Buffalo Wild Wings Foundation hosts 180 girls from Wake and Johnston Counties at Raleigh Girls Club on March 5 for sports and wellness activities, serving as a kickoff to the March Madness Match campaign running March 21-31.
Entertainment Partnership Expands Youth Access
Fandango and Sony invited Club members to attend the premiere of GOAT on February 6, an animated film produced by NBA star Stephen Curry. Fandango’s Round Up initiative has raised more than $2.5 million in its first year, expanding movie access for Club youth and families.
Corporate Support Broadens Programming Reach
Beyond these activations, Boys & Girls Clubs of America continues partnerships with The Coca-Cola Company, Planet Fitness, Major League Baseball, Lenovo, adidas, Power Crunch, ESPN, Bank of America, BODYARMOR, Academy Sports + Outdoors, Puma, and AMB Sports and Entertainment to support sports, e-sports, and wellness programming.
via: Yahoo Finance
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