Rec Sports

Parents spending more time, resources and money on kids’ sports

Parents, it is not just your imagination – you are spending more time, money and resources on your kids’ sports activities than moms and dads from previous generations. A new nationwide study found that these trends are particularly pronounced for those parents who are highly educated, those immersed in sports cultures and those whose kids […]

Published

3 weeks ago

June 12, 2025

Your Sports Nation

Parents, it is not just your imagination – you are spending more time, money and resources on your kids’ sports activities than moms and dads from previous generations.

A new nationwide study found that these trends are particularly pronounced for those parents who are highly educated, those immersed in sports cultures and those whose kids are highly committed to sports activities.

“Our findings suggest that recent changes in youth sport and parenting cultures have prompted parents to invest more time and money in their children’s athletic activities,” said Chris Knoester, lead author of the study and professor of sociology at The Ohio State University.

Chris Knoester “Since the 1980s, supporting a child’s athletic development has appeared to have required levels – or at least felt pressures – of involvement not demanded of parents in previous generations.”

Knoester conducted the study with Chris Bjork, professor of education at Vassar College. The research was published online recently in the journal Leisure/Loisir.

This study is one of the first to provide evidence of what parents have been talking about with each other for years, Bjork said.

“We’ve heard these stories about how parents are spending so much time going to their kids’ athletic events, spending more money, going all in. But it wasn’t clear if these were just stories,” Bjork said.

“Now we have some empirical evidence that parents aren’t wrong about this. Things have changed.”

The study used survey data on 3,993 adults who participated in the National Sports and Society Survey (NSASS), sponsored by Ohio State’s Sports and Society Initiative. Those surveyed volunteered to participate through the American Population Panel, run by Ohio State’s Center for Human Resource Research. Participants, who came from all 50 states, answered the survey online between the fall of 2018 and spring of 2019.

Participants were asked questions about how often their parents attended their athletic events (on a scale from “never” to “every day or nearly every day”), how much they supported their sports participation through coaching, providing transportation, etc. (from “never” to “every day or nearly every day”) and how much money their parents spent on their sports participation (from “none” to “a lot”), in a typical year, while they were growing up.

Respondents were born beginning in the 1950s through the 1990s, and were 21 years or older when surveyed, so this study essentially covered youth sport experiences from the 1960s through about 2015.

Chris Bjork Results showed that participants from nearly every generation who had better-educated parents said their moms and dads attended more sporting events than did those with lower levels of education. But that difference increased over time.

For those born in the 1950s, most participants said their parents attended their sporting events on average a few times a year, in a typical year, while they were growing up.

But for those born in the 1990s, it was closer to an average of once a month for those with lower levels of education up to about once a week for those whose parents had a college degree.

Families who were most immersed in sports culture showed a slight increase in parental sports attendance over generations, but of course they started at a much higher level and didn’t have as much room to rise. They were already attending more than once a week for their children born in the 1950s and rose to nearly every day for those children born in the 1990s.

Similar generational trends were found in how much parents supported sports participation and how much they spent on sporting activities.

Most participants throughout the generations said their parents only spent “a little bit” of money for them to play sports in a typical year. But the youngest generations, especially those from families of higher socioeconomic (SES) status, were more likely to say their families spent “some” on sports for them. Respondents who were highly immersed in sports culture reported that their parents spent “quite a bit,” in a typical year.

Many of the changes found in the study seemed to accelerate beginning for children born in the 1980s and continuing through the 1990s, said Bjork, who is co-author of the book More Than Just a Game: How the Youth Sports Industry Is Changing the Way We Parent and What to Do About It.

This corresponded with societal shifts in parenting and an emphasis on “intensive parenting.”

“There’s been this intensification of parenting over the past 50 years or so that has seen a shift of parents from casual supporters to managers of their kids’ extracurricular lives,” Bjork said.

Parents have done this in part because schools have cut back on how much they spend on sports and higher SES families have put more resources into helping their kids succeed in sports.

“Parents see this as a way to enhance their kids’ resumes as they are applying for college or trying to get a job,” Knoester said.

“It has been this convergence of an increased emphasis on intensive parenting, reduced public support for sports participation and a stark rise in a mostly privatized youth sports industry. It has all led to higher levels of parents’ involvement in their children’s sports participation, especially among higher SES families.”

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Rec Sports

Youth baseball coaches fired after streaking at upstate NY tournament

Two youth baseball coaches have been fired after they were filmed stripping naked and streaking at an upstate New York tournament for under-12s. Video circulating online shows the unidentified coaches from Lake Bluff, Illinois, stripping down under the field lights while their team was in Cooperstown for a tournament last weekend. One of the coaches, […]

Published

30 minutes ago

July 3, 2025

Your Sports Nation

Two youth baseball coaches have been fired after they were filmed stripping naked and streaking at an upstate New York tournament for under-12s.

Video circulating online shows the unidentified coaches from Lake Bluff, Illinois, stripping down under the field lights while their team was in Cooperstown for a tournament last weekend.

One of the coaches, baring it all, slides headfirst into home plate as stunned children laugh.

One coach slide into home plate in the nude, video shows. — One coach slides into home plate in the nude, video shows. CBS News

“Oh my God!” one child exclaims, as another gasps: “What the hell?”

“Is he naked?” another kid asks.

It’s not clear what motivated the coaches to get naked for the creepy stunt.

However, their team — the Lake Bluff Youth Baseball Association’s 12 and under Blue team — was disqualified and the local sheriff’s department was called in, according to CBS Chicago.

Both coaches have been fired, the youth league confirmed.

“We are treating this matter with the utmost seriousness and have contacted relevant authorities. We will continue to support those authorities in their investigations of this matter,” the association, from north of Chicago, said in a statement.

The two coaches have been fired by the youth league, officials said. — It’s not clear what motivated the coaches to get naked. CBS News

“We have also taken immediate and decisive action by terminating the assistant coaches involved,” the association added.

It’s unclear if the coaches were any of the players’ parents or if any legal action had been taken.

The Post has reached out to the Otsego Sheriff’s Department, which patrols Cooperstown, for additional information.

The Lake Bluff Youth Baseball Association did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

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Rec Sports

Jury finds former Springfield youth basketball coach guilty of multiple sex crimes involving children

SPRINGFIELD, Mo. (KY3) – A jury found a former Springfield youth basketball coach guilty of multiple sex crimes involving children. Antwuan Looney faced two counts of child molestation and multiple counts of first-degree sodomy, first-degree rape, and statutory rape. A judge will sentence him in September. Investigators said Looney had at least five juvenile victims and […]

Published

5 hours ago

July 3, 2025

Your Sports Nation

SPRINGFIELD, Mo. (KY3) – A jury found a former Springfield youth basketball coach guilty of multiple sex crimes involving children.

Antwuan Looney faced two counts of child molestation and multiple counts of first-degree sodomy, first-degree rape, and statutory rape. A judge will sentence him in September.

Investigators said Looney had at least five juvenile victims and three other suspected victims. Investigators say the abuse started as early as 1995 and in some cases lasted for years. In a police report filed in 2004, a 13-year-old girl claimed that Looney was her basketball coach and he touched her inappropriately in her bedroom.

Investigators say another victim recounted several incidents where Looney raped or sexually abused her, all when she was around nine-years-old.

When he was questioned by detectives, Looney denied all of the allegations against him.

To report a correction or typo, please email digitalnews@ky3.com. Please include the article info in the subject line of the email.

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Rec Sports

Kendall Young Library has youth events in July | News, Sports, Jobs

Throughout July, the Kendall Young Library will be hosting a number of different events and story times for all ages. Students should attend the programs based on the classes they will attend in the fall of 2025 Children’s Summer Reading Program — Patrons, birth to fifth grade, can join in a variety of “Level Up […]

Published

5 hours ago

July 3, 2025

Your Sports Nation

Children’s Summer Reading Program — Patrons, birth to fifth grade, can join in a variety of “Level Up at your Library” summer programs. There is a reading challenge, activity bingo and great programs each week. The deadline is July 31 for the reading challenge entries for the summer drawings.

Children’s Special Events — Tuesday, July 8, 5-7 p.m., Family Pool Party at the Webster City Outdoor Pool, free event for the whole family

Thursday, July 10, 10:30-11:30 a.m. — Fonziba Drums (ages 8+) at Kendall Young Library

Thursday, July 17, 6:00 p.m. — Family Foam Party at Webster City Market Night — sponsored by Kendall Young Library

Children’s Weekly Programs –Wild Things 1 (PreK-K) will meet on Monday, July 7 and 14 from 10:30-11:30 a.m.

Wild Things 2 (first to second grade) will meet on Tuesday, July 1, 8 and 15 from 10:30-11:30 a.m.

Fuzzy Ducklings (Under 3 years) will meet on Wednesday, July 2, 9 and 16 from 10:30-11:30 a.m.

Tween’s Time (third to fifth grade) will meet on Thursday, July 3, 10 and 17 from 10:30-11:30 a.m.

Hungry Caterpillars (preschool) will meet on Friday, July 11 and 18 from 10:30-11:30 a.m.

Teen Summer Reading Program–Patrons who will be in grades six to 12 this fall can join in a variety of “Level Up at your Library” summer programs. There is a 10-day reading challenge along with both scheduled and “on your own time” programs each week. Detailed information is available at the Adult Checkout Desk or in the Teen Area. Please make sure to get all entries in by July 31.

Game of the Week — Each week throughout the summer there will be a new game featured as the “Game of the Week”. Mondays from 10-11a.m. the game will be presented with the rule and an opportunity to play with friends. The game will also be available all week if you want to stop-in, try it out and vote how you liked the game.

Teen Lounge — Patrons in grades 6-12 are invited on Tuesday from 10:00-11:30 a.m. Join us weekly for video games, snacks, crafts, board games, and more.

Special crafts in the theme of “Level Up At Your Library” will be provided each week.

Teen Games — “Fun before the Sun…Thursdays” is time for games and adventures. Each Thursday from 10:00-11:30 a.m. Teens activities will include games, movies, a scavenger hunt and mini golf which will be held inside the library.

Teen Crafternoons — Kendall Young Teen area will have a Crafternoon Station throughout the summer. Each week, beginning on Wednesdays, a new craft will be presented. This activity is available whenever the library is open.

The Teen Area STEM Cart is available for the adventurous builder. There are a variety of plans and materials will be provided. Stop at the reference desk to get more information any time this summer.Community Lego Build — Students are invited to participate in building the Lego Disney Villain Icons. This project is available during all open hours of the library and it is located in the Young Adult Area.

The Teen area located in the Kendall Young Library offers a variety of board games, community Lego build, Chromebooks, video games, books and activities that are always available.

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Rec Sports

Orcutt sails into championship round; Lompoc eliminated | Youth Sports

The Orcutt 14U All-Stars scored 36 runs total in their first three tournament games, and they did not slow down Tuesday. The host team roared into the championship bracket of the Central California Babe Ruth 14-Year-Old Tournament, beating Madera 16-0 on Morrison Field at Morrison Park, Orcutt’s home site. Orcutt will face the Madera-Hanford winner […]

Published

6 hours ago

July 3, 2025

Your Sports Nation

The Orcutt 14U All-Stars scored 36 runs total in their first three tournament games, and they did not slow down Tuesday.

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Rec Sports

Sports calendar: July 4–13, 2025

Edmonton Riverhawks at Bellingham Bells 6:35 p.m. Wednesday, July 9 Joe Martin Field The Edmonton Riverhawks return to Bellingham after the Fourth of July weekend for a three-game series against the Bells July 8–10. Bellingham is 4-1 this season against the Riverhawks, and both teams are competing for the top spot in the North Division. […]

Published

7 hours ago

July 3, 2025

Your Sports Nation

Edmonton Riverhawks at Bellingham Bells

6:35 p.m. Wednesday, July 9

Joe Martin Field

The Edmonton Riverhawks return to Bellingham after the Fourth of July weekend for a three-game series against the Bells July 8–10. Bellingham is 4-1 this season against the Riverhawks, and both teams are competing for the top spot in the North Division.

Tiny Tykes Tuesdays

10 a.m. Tuesday, July 8

Lee Memorial Park

Keep the kids busy this summer with a series of classes that provide them a positive introduction to team sports. Coaches will lead activities, drills and mini-games to build basic skills along with sportsmanship and community. The featured sports include baseball, football, track and soccer.

Cascade Connections Cornhole Tournament

5:30 p.m. Tuesday, July 8

District Brewing

Gather friends or compete by yourself in some backyard, easygoing corn hole at District Brewing in Ferndale. The cost is $10 to enter, and the event will last until approximately 8 p.m.

Friday, July 4

WCL

Port Angeles Lefties at Bellingham Bells, 4:05 p.m.

Pro league

Pittsburgh Pirates at Seattle Mariners, 1:10 p.m.

Recreation

Bioluminescense Kayak Tour at Larrabee State Park, 9 p.m.

Saturday, July 5

WCL

Port Angeles Lefties at Bellingham Bells, 6:05 p.m.

Pro league

Pittsburgh Pirates at Seattle Mariners, 7:10 p.m.

Recreation

Chuckanut Foot Race at 100 Harris Ave., 9 a.m.

Lummi Island Full Day Kayak Tour, 10:30 a.m.

Sunday, July 6

WCL

Port Angeles Lefties at Bellingham Bells, 1:35 p.m.

Pro league

Seattle Storm at New York Liberty, 10 a.m.

Lake Whatcom Triathlon at Bloedel Donovan Park, 7 a.m.

Northwest Tune-Up festival on the Bellingham waterfront, all day

Sunday, July 13

WCL

Bellingham Bells at Kamloops NorthPaws, 2:05 p.m.

Pro league

Seattle Mariners at Detroit Tigers, 10:40 a.m.

Washington Mystics at Seattle Storm, 3 p.m.

Recreation

Northwest Tune-Up festival on the Bellingham waterfront, all day

CDN’s sports calendar is published online Thursdays and in print Fridays. To submit an event for consideration, email nickzellersingh@cascadiadaily.com. News Producer Eric Trent compiled the featured listings.

Nick Zeller-Singh is CDN’s sports reporter; reach him at nickzellersingh@cascadiadaily.com; 360-922-3090 ext. 104.

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Rec Sports

Plenty of youth activities in Northeast Michigan | News, Sports, Jobs

Jackie Krawczak Having been involved in a career in the Alpena area community for nearly 20 years there is one pattern of comments that shows up repeatedly that I just cannot make sense of. What I’m talking about is the perception that there is not enough for young people and […]

Published

8 hours ago

July 3, 2025

Your Sports Nation

Jackie Krawczak

Having been involved in a career in the Alpena area community for nearly 20 years there is one pattern of comments that shows up repeatedly that I just cannot make sense of.

What I’m talking about is the perception that there is not enough for young people and children to do in the area.

Not only have I been living and working in this area for almost 20 years, I also grew up in this area, living here until the age of 20 before heading off for college.

The experience I had growing up and the perspective I have about the community do not align with the common perspective that there are limited options for young people.

Sure, there might not be access to the same number and diversity of options as you might find in a bigger city, but there is plenty for children to do. So why is there a disconnect?

I am not certain, but I suspect the solution lies with parents or caregivers and not the community itself.

I do not have children, but I was a child who grew up in Northeast Michigan, and I have spent lots of time with children of all ages, and I really do not understand the complaint that there is very little for young people to do. There is so much to do and experience. Perhaps the parents or grandparents who don’t think there is much available need to do some research or explore a bit.

There are plenty of things to do at home or outside in the community. Some are free and others have related expenses.

The following is not an exhaustive list. Beaches. Rock hunting. Hiking. Exploring one of many different natural areas. Playgrounds. Splash pad. Fishing. Biking. Museums. Children’s plays. Children’s movies. Mini golf. Dinosaurs. Sidewalk chalk. Library. Art classes. Art projects (search online for ideas – there are thousands). Grab a book that helps identify leaves, trees, flowers, birds or something else in nature and explore. Build forts. Join a sport.

Children are creative if we foster that and allow them to be. If we plop them in front of a screen instead of finding something fun and creative for them to do, then yes, we may feel there is very little for them in the community. But that just simply is not true.

When my siblings and I were growing up, I remember my sister and I had what we called, “junk jars.” We would collect bits and pieces of things we found around the yard or inside, like buttons, feathers, or cool rocks, and put them in a jar. Then, when we felt like it, we would get our jars out and, “make stuff.” That meant we simply created whatever masterpiece we wanted with the items in our jars, some paper, glue, string, and whatever else we had.

I also recall hours of fun in buckets of water with empty dish soap bottles we used as squirt bottles.

We often explored the woods and created forts and games with each other and friends. We rolled down hills, sometimes in large cardboard barrels that I am not sure where they came from. We climbed plenty of trees. The older kids sometimes created games for the younger kids. We learned to bake and cook. We read. We looked for frogs and turtles and toads. We found chrysalises and kept an eye on the progress until they turned into beautiful butterflies.

There was so much to do. All the time. It was because our parents allowed us to create and explore freely. They had boundaries but they weren’t so strict that we couldn’t learn on our own. They took us on adventures as well. Camping, an event at a fair, a movie occasionally.

We didn’t need someone else to constantly entertain us.

Before you complain that there is nothing, or very little, for young people to do in your community, take a step back and spend some time thinking about all the things that do exist. Think about ways to encourage creativity and free play. Think about ways to let children interact with each other and learn to solve problems on their own. Think about places in the area you’ve never been and head out for the day. Explore.

It might change your perspective not only on what exists for young people but also your view on what a great place this region is for adults as well.

Jackie Krawczak is president of Jackie Krawczak LLC. Her column runs every three weeks on Thursdays. Follow Jackie on X @jkrawczak.

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