About PLAYS
through the last year we have recognized some problems
Some Problems are...
Fragmentation
Youth sports has always been very fragmented across multiple entities involved - Too many disjointed actors are attempting piecemeal fixes without engaging with the deeper persistent problems
Systemic Inequity
As youth sports get more and more expensive, the harder it is for families in low income areas to provide quality youth sports experiences for their kids
GrassRoots Power
There are a lot of recommendations for how to make youth sports better. (Aspen Institute, SFIA), but someone/something needs to engage and mobilize the grassroots to see those things through.
what is the coalition?
Our History
PLAY Sports (Promoting Local and Youth Sports) is a unique coalition of thousands of stakeholders across the national and community youth sports industry. It was formed in April 2020 to unite a fragmented industry and continues to be an active advocate of support for youth development programs, young athletes, working families, coaches and volunteers across all 50 states, particularly those in under-resourced areas.
Our Mission
Our mission is to ensure the youth and local sports industry thrives by providing families, and especially youth, equitable access to play opportunities for physical and mental health, character and leadership development. We believe it is a vital movement that will serve a key role in repairing a society that needs community, connectivity and joy.