Benefts of Youth Sports
Developed by the PCSFN Science Board
The National Youth Sports Strategy aims to unite U.S. youth sports culture around a shared vision:
that one day, all youth will have the opportunity, motivation, and access to play sports—regardless of
their race, ethnicity, sex, ability, or ZIP code. Why youth sports? Research shows that participating in
youth sports can lead to immediate and long-term benefts for youth, their families, and communities.
Mental, Emotional, and Social Health
73 percent of parents believe that
sports beneft their child’s mental health.1 And they
are right!
• Participating in sports is associated with:
• Lower rates of anxiety and depression2–5
• Lower amounts of stress5,6
• Higher self-esteem and confdence3,7–9
• Reduced risk of suicide5,10,11
• Less substance abuse and fewer risky
behaviors5,8,12
• Increased cognitive performance5,13–15
• Increased creativity16
• Greater enjoyment of all forms of
physical activity17
• Improved psychological and emotional
well-being for individuals with disabilities18
• Increased life satisfaction19,20