Rec Sports

New study finds the hidden cost of raising a young athlete

Published

2 months ago

November 19, 2025

One in six parents of kids who play sports believe they’re raising the next pro athlete, according to new research.

A survey of 4,150 respondents, split between athletes, parents, and coaches of youth athletes, looked at sentiments around what sports look like right now.

Seventy-two percent think that youth sports today feel more professional than recreational, with coaches experiencing this boost in intensity firsthand (85%).

With all of the work put in, two-thirds of parents think their child is above average (68%) — some even claiming that their child is destined for sports stardom (17%).

Conducted by Talker Research for BSN SPORTS, the survey found that all things considered, 92% would encourage young athletes to pursue sports, especially coaches (96%) and athletes (94%).

The average athlete (adult who is part of a sports club) surveyed spends nine hours a week on their sport, with eight in 10 parents agreeing that their child’s sports club has even become a second home for them.

From going to games, practice, and prepping for matches, parents estimate that they’re involved with 72% of their child’s experience — about eight hours a week.

More than a quarter said their child needs them nearly, if not, every step of the way (27%).

Time isn’t the only investment into these sports: The average athlete needs new equipment three times a year, spending an annual total of $313, and one in nine spend upwards of $500.

For 64%, jerseys and gear are worth the financial and emotional investment because they represent pride and progress.

Nine in 10 see the time and money spent on sports as an investment into the player’s future (88%), with coaches (96%) and parents (91%) especially understanding this value.

“The gear athletes wear isn’t just about performance, it’s about identity and pride,” said Brian Fleming, senior vice president and general manager of club and select at BSN SPORTS. “According to our findings, nine in 10 believe the time and money spent on sports is a meaningful investment in the player’s future. These choices reflect a deeper commitment not just to the game, but to the values, discipline, and identity that sports help shape.”

Parents believe playing sports instills confidence in their child (58%), while athletes shared that their habits help improve their mental health (58%), and coaches enjoy the way that it helps improve their sense of sportsmanship and teamwork (51%).

Looking at the growth of sports across the country, popularity has risen in basketball (44%), soccer (40%), football (35%), baseball (25%), and volleyball (22%).

Basketball is the top sport where more female participation is encouraged (42%), followed by soccer (39%), volleyball (37%), and softball (31%).

Thinking ahead to the future of sports, all three groups wanted to see skill improvement in the next year.

Parents and coaches also wanted to see increases in confidence and motivation, while athletes are most interested in seeing their fitness (39%) and mental health (37%) improve.

But how much is too much? Athletes and their parents recall experiencing burnout due to physical exhaustion or pressure, each twice a year.

Coaches may catch it even sooner, seeing their athletes burn out an average of three times a year for each.

For many, success is measured by their personal goals or passion for the sport (35%), social media pressure and public recognition (31%), and expectations from parents or family (31%).

According to those surveyed, the next generation of club sports should prioritize character and leadership development (42%), followed by balance and mental health (36%) and affordability and accessibility (34%).

Support may also be key to avoiding burnout, as nearly half believe that parent and sideline behavior at sporting events is mostly positive (48%).

“As youth sports become more immersive, it’s vital that families, coaches, and clubs align to support athletes in every aspect — from motivation to the basics like gear,” Fleming said. “This research shows how powerful that collective support can be in helping athletes thrive both in competition and character.”

Research methodology:

Talker Research surveyed 2,000 parents of youth athletes, 2,000 athletes and 150 club sport owners who have access to the internet; the survey was commissioned by BSN Sports and administered and conducted online by Talker Research between Oct. 14 and Oct. 27, 2025. A link to the questionnaire can be found here.

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Rec Sports

Florida demolishes Tennessee basketball – The Daily Beacon

Published

60 minutes ago

January 11, 2026

Your Sports Nation

Had the turnover balloons made the trip, Tennessee basketball’s cardio would be at an all-time high.

The Vols traveled to Gainesville, Florida, and walked away with a 91-67 loss to the Gators in flattening fashion.

An 18-turnover effort kept No. 21 Tennessee (11-5, 1-2 SEC) from getting a breath of fresh air. Instead, the consistent giveaway of free possessions remained haunting, as Florida (11-5, 2-1) cashed in for 30 points off turnovers.

Nate Ament led an otherwise abysmal offensive attack with 17 points. Ja’Kobi Gillespie followed with 12 points, but committed four turnovers to just three assists. Bishop Boswell’s six turnovers made it a double-digit turnover effort from Tennessee’s starting backcourt. Boogie Fland went for a career game on the Vols’ defense, tacking on 23 points in Florida’s win.

Sloppy first half in varying fashions

The Vols and Gators put forth opposite first-half outings, but the games complemented each other enough to bring a mere 13-point margin at the break.

For Tennessee, it was turnovers and failure on defensive rebounds that provided struggles. On Florida’s side, missed shots plagued the Gators.

As a team, the Vols committed 12 turnovers across the first 20 minutes. They also allowed Florida to pull in seven boards on the offensive glass. Those blunders paced Tennessee to 20 total shots in the frame, making a measly eight.

Florida took advantage of the extra possessions, chucking up 34 shots in 20 minutes. The Gators scored 18 points off turnovers, helping create a 13-point margin heading to the locker rooms.

Cleaning up the mistakes did not occur during the break. Tennessee moved forward with the trend, committing six more turnovers over the remainder of the game.

15-2 Florida run provides separation before half

Despite struggles maintaining the basketball, Tennessee had remained in the game for the first 16 minutes of the game. And then the tides flipped.

A Boogie Fland stepback jumper marked the start of what became a 15-2 run over the final 3:51 of the first half. He scored 10 of the points all by himself, including a sequence where he drilled a three and then ripped away a steal on the defensive end to sink a layup.

Rick Barnes wanted a timeout to bandage the wound, but the dismay continued seeping. Tennessee’s next shot was blocked, and the ensuing inbounds pass could not get in — forcing a second timeout within 11 seconds of game time. Bishop Boswell turned the ball over out of the timeout.

Florida had been shooting 26% from the floor with 7:42 left. The Gators finished strong, making 8-of-11 shots to bring the total to 41%.

Heading into the break, Tennessee went from a tied 26-all ball game to down 41-28 with lingering turnover problems.

The Vols could not overcome the deficit they dug into, and Florida continued to run away with the game in the second half. The Gators outscored Tennessee 50-39 in the final 20.

Ament flourishes

Not many positives could be pulled away from the demolition on the road, but star freshman Ament at least put forth promise.

Ament scored 17 points on 5-for-11 shooting. He also hauled in four rebounds and an assist, while keeping turnovers limited to two. His four fouls limited him to 27 minutes.

The 17-point outing is the most for the 6-foot-10 wing since he scored 20 against Kansas on Nov. 26. He had been averaging 11 points per game in the seven games between those performances.

Tennessee will have the chance to rebound on Jan. 13 when it faces Texas A&M at Food City Center

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Rec Sports

Photos: Fort Lewis College women’s and men’s basketball take on Westminster University

Published

3 hours ago

January 11, 2026

Your Sports Nation

Both Skyhawks teams were victorious on Saturday afternoon

Fort Lewis College plays tough defense against Westminster University on Saturday at FLC. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald)

Jerry McBride

Donald Bangham, Jr. of Fort Lewis College finger rolls the ball over Westminster University on Saturday at FLC. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald)

Jerry McBride

Ashten Martinez of Fort Lewis College plays defense against Westminster University on Saturday at FLC. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald)

Jerry McBride

Massal Diouf of Fort Lewis College blocks a Westminster University shot on Saturday at FLC. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald)

Jerry McBride

Cassius Carmichael of Fort Lewis College dunks the ball against Westminster University on Saturday at FLC. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald)

Jerry McBride

Chuol Deng of Fort Lewis College puts up a shot against Westminster University on Saturday at FLC. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald)

Jerry McBride

Natalie Guanella of Fort Lewis College passes the ball while playing against Westminster University on Saturday at FLC. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald)

Jerry McBride

Fort Lewis College plays tough defense against Westminster University on Saturday at FLC. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald)

Jerry McBride

Jaxon Smith of Fort Lewis College puts up a three-point shot against Westminster University on Saturday at FLC. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald)

Jerry McBride

Makaya Porter of Fort Lewis College drives to the basket while playing against Westminster University on Saturday at FLC. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald)

Jerry McBride

Fort Lewis College plays tough defense against Westminster University on Saturday at FLC. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald)

Jerry McBride

Lauren Zuniga, left, Fort Lewis College women’s baseketball head coach, and assistant coach Maggie Espenmiller-McGraw are all smiles with player Claudia Palacio Gámez after winning the game against Westminster University on Saturday at FLC. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald)

Jerry McBride

Stewart Erhart of Fort Lewis College splits the Westminster University defense on Saturday at FLC. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald)

Jerry McBride

Katie Lamb of Fort Lewis College puts up a 3-point shot against Westminster University on Saturday at FLC. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald)

Jerry McBride

Natalie Guanella of Fort Lewis College plays defense against Westminster University on Saturday at FLC. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald)

Jerry McBride

Claudia Palacio Gámez of Fort Lewis College fights off the Westminster University defense on Saturday at FLC. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald)

Jerry McBride

Josie Davis of Fort Lewis College puts up a shot against Westminster University on Saturday at FLC. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald)

Jerry McBride

Trey Curry of Fort Lewis College takes away a passing lane while playing Westminster University on Saturday at FLC. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald)

Jerry McBride

Fort Lewis College plays tough defense against Westminster University on Saturday at FLC. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald)

Jerry McBride

Savanna Dotray of Fort Lewis College puts up a shot against Westminster University on Saturday at FLC. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald)

Jerry McBride

Donald Bangham, Jr. of Fort Lewis College goes for the ball while playing Westminster University on Saturday at FLC. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald)

Jerry McBride

Savanna Dotray, left, and Katie Lamb of Fort Lewis College fights for the ball while playing Westminster University on Saturday at FLC. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald)

Jerry McBride

Natalie Guanella of Fort Lewis College comes off the floor during the Westminster University game on Saturday at FLC. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald)

Jerry McBride

Katie Lamb of Fort Lewis College puts up a three-point shot against Westminster University on Saturday at FLC. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald)

Jerry McBride

Makaya Porter of Fort Lewis College puts up a shot while playing against Westminster University on Saturday at FLC. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald)

Jerry McBride

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Rec Sports

City to unveil sports park master plan

Published

4 hours ago

January 11, 2026

Your Sports Nation

FAIRBORN — The community is invited to attend a community presentation on Fairborn’s Sport Park Master Plan. The event will be held at the Fairborn High School Performing Arts Center on Sunday, January 18, at 3 p.m.

According to the city, the plan outlines proposed improvements to the Fairborn Wee Hawks Football and Fairborn Little League fields at Ernie Apt. Park. The city’s goal is to create a modern, much-needed athletic facility for local youth.

Park planners say that during the presentation, you’ll be able to see the proposed layout and upgrades, learn how the improvements will benefit young athletes and families, and ask questions.

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Rec Sports

The wildest hockey brawl of the year was at an AHL intermission youth game

Published

4 hours ago

January 11, 2026

Your Sports Nation

The Hershey Bears, the AHL affiliate of the Washington Capitals, won a game 3-2 on Saturday, breaking a tie in the third period while short-handed. That’s not what fans were buzzing about from the game on social media.

Between periods at the Giant Center in Hershey, Pennsylvania, a standard mites game became very un-standard when a bizarre brawl broke out between the two youth teams.

Countless haymakers were thrown with tiny gloved fists. Multiple kids charged full-speed into the fray. At least one kid punched a teammate. The crowd, or at least the louder fans in the stands, was loving it. There are no officials in sight. Which is unfortunate, because at least one kid can be seen dangerously trying to kick an opponent with his skates.

The spectacle peaks at the 47-second mark when a goalie charges in and completely lays out an opponent who was grappling with his teammate.

What’s that? You want another angle?

Details are admittedly sparse here. We don’t know if any of those kids sustained an injury on the ice, or what even caused the brawl aside from youthful aggression. We’re just talking about something you don’t expect to see at a youth hockey game.

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Rec Sports

PEM hosts area athletes in wrestling invitational

Published

4 hours ago

January 11, 2026

Your Sports Nation

PLAINVIEW, Minn. (KTTC) – Wrestlers filled the gym at Plainview-Elgin-Millville high school for the 2026 PEM Wrestling Invitational.

Eight schools took the mat: LARP (Lewiston-Altura/Rushford-Peterson), Pine Island, FCLMC (Fillmore Central/Lanesboro/Mabel-Canton), Lake City, WWC (Winona/Winona Cotter), La Crosse Logan/Cent., Cochrane-Fountain City, and the host school PEM.

The Bulldogs came out on top at home, leading the way with 206.5 points. LARP finished in second with 201.0 points. The team results are as follows:

PEM – 206.5
LARP – 201.0
Pine Island – 192.0
Eau Claire North – 111.0
FCLMC – 96.0
Cochrane-Fountain City – 70.5
Lake City – 47.5
WWC – 47.5
La Crosse Logan/Cent. – 39.0

An individual champion was crowned in each weight class. Those champions are as follows:

107 – Mason Zabel, PEM

114 – Owen Zabel, PEM

121 – Reid Ihrke, PEM

127 – Christian Zibrowski, LARP

133 – Michael Alexander, LARP

139 – Owen Lange, LARP

145 – Jag Foster, Pine Island

152 – Aiden Graner, PEM

160 – Ben Grabau, Pine Island

172 – Calvin Arentz, La Crosse Logan/Cent.

189 – Kane Larson, FCLMC

215 – Logan Peterson, PEM

285 – Chase Drazkowski, LARP

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Rec Sports

Native Youth Olympics preparations under way | Sports

Published

6 hours ago

January 11, 2026

Your Sports Nation

Ketchikan athletes had the gym to themselves on Friday as they warmed up for the Native Youth Olympics kick-off scheduled for 11 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Saturday at the Clarke Cochrane Gymnasium at Kayhi.