Returning this month, the Soldier Hollow Kickers and Gliders program aims to introduce more youth across the Wasatch Back to cross-country skiing, with renewed efforts focused on reaching families in the local Latino population.

The beginner-focused program is designed for children ages 6 to 11 runs from Jan. 6 through Feb. 26, with sessions held Tuesdays and Thursdays from 4 to 5:30 p.m. at Soldier Hollow’s Sports Discovery Center, located at 2002 South Olympic Drive in Midway.

“Kids will learn the basics of skiing through purposeful play, games and drills. All participants get free hot chocolate to warm back up after each practice,” said Gerrit Garberich, senior sports manager and head comp BIA Coach.

Last winter, Garberich and Luke Bodensteiner, Soldier Hollow’s general manager and chief of sport development for the Utah Olympic Legacy Foundation, began a discounted registration initiative aimed at increasing participation among Latino families.

That initiative set aside 20 spots for Latino participants at a discounted rate of $25 supported by the Wasatch Community Foundation and the Wasatch Latino Coalition. Additionally the program offers needs-based scholarships to all families.

Program leaders have pointed to longstanding underrepresentation of Latino families in local skiing programs as a key reason for expanding outreach and reducing barriers.

“Last year we had 95 kids participate in our program but only four took advantage of the $25 registration for the Latino community,” said Garberich.

Organizers recognized that challenges such as transportation and communication have limited participation in the past and said they are working to improve outreach and access for Latino families this season.

Transportation was not offered last year due to a lack of available bus drivers — a limitation organizers said may have affected participation. This winter, the program has secured two bus drivers in hopes of increasing access and enrollment.

Free transportation will be available for registered participants, with a program bus picking up children at 3:40 p.m. from the southeast portion of the Wasatch Recreation Center parking lot and returning them to the same location at approximately 5:45 p.m.

The goal is to reduce common barriers, organizers said — which include cost, equipment and transportation — that can prevent families from accessing winter sports.

The program provides all ski equipment, including skis, boots and poles. Families are asked to send children dressed for winter conditions, including windproof or snow pants, base layers, a warm jacket, hat, gloves, neck gaiter, warm socks and a water bottle.

Registration is now open, with separate links available in English and Spanish. Families seeking Spanish-language registration and access to the reduced $25 rate for Latino participants are encouraged to use the Spanish registration link, while general registration is available through the English link.

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Barre3

Embrace strength, cardio and mindfulness all at once with a session at this Bethesda studio. As anyone who’s done barre can attest, those subtle movements inspired by ballet training look deceptively easy but deliver major results. The workouts take you through low-impact isometric moves, bursts of cardio, and breath work that’s meant to center your mind. Everyone, from beginner to expert, is welcome at Barre3, which is known locally for its popular classes, with about a dozen offered per day. 

4829 Cordell Ave., Bethesda, 240-858-6101, barre3.com

Chevy Chase Athletic Club

This 20,000-square-foot club sprawls across the 18th floor of the Barlow Building in Friendship Heights, offering penthouse views of downtown D.C. as you lift, spin or power walk. Its squash program is the biggest in the area, including private and group classes, clinics, tournaments and more. Various personal training options zero in on youth sports, seniors’ balance and flexibility, and all-around fitness. 

5454 Wisconsin Ave., Chevy Chase, 301-656-8834, myccac.com

City and County Recreation Centers

Want to work out on the cheap or even for free? Montgomery County has 22 recreation centers with workshops, clinics, drop-in programs, sports, open gym and special events. A fitness center pass is free with proof of county residency and gets you access to gym equipment, open gym and more. Some classes, ranging from golf to pickleball, are available for a fee, and a pass to the county’s four indoor pools and seven outdoor pools costs $400 per year for county residents. There are also city rec centers for a small fee in Gaithersburg and in Rockville, where the Rockville Swim & Fitness Center offers day passes and membership packages for residents and nonresidents. 

Montgomery County: montgomerycountymd.gov/rec/facilities/recreationcenters; Gaithersburg: gaithersburgmd.gov/recreation; Rockville: rockvillemd.gov/398/swim-fitness-center

CrossFit Bethesda 

If the idea of walking into a huge gym—where you don’t really know how to work the machines or, well, do much of anything—fills you with dread, consider a more personalized workout routine at CrossFit Bethesda. Coaches and classmates quickly get to know your name as you all run through barbell squats and kettlebell swings together. Variety is the name of the game here, so if boredom with the same old, same old is what’s killing your desire to work out, CrossFit might be a good fit—the high-intensity fitness approach combines elements of weightlifting, cardio and even gymnastics.

4848 Cordell Ave., Bethesda, 301-381-5855, crossfitbethesda.com

Equinox Bethesda

One of 111 Equinox clubs around the globe, this is a posh place for getting fit, equipped with such luxuries as a saltwater pool and a spa for facials and massages. Group classes, which are unlimited for members, include cycling, barre, Pilates and high-intensity interval training (HIIT). Equinox also prides itself on a top-notch personal training program. 

 4905 Elm St., Bethesda, 301-652-1078, equinox.com

extendYoga

You can do your sun salutations and asanas at this studio, or from the comfort of your home in virtual classes, as teachers lead you through sessions with an emphasis on the vinyasa flow style. Choose from about six classes per day. As part of its mission to make yoga welcoming to all, Extend offers Repped, an “inclusive yoga series” aimed at underserved groups; past months have been devoted to Muslim and Asian American Pacific Islander communities. 

 12106 Wilkins Ave., North Bethesda, 301-881-3330, extendyoga.com

Hotworx Bethesda

Eight small saunas that can accommodate up to three people each make up this boutique fitness studio, part of a national chain. Classes—taught by instructors via TV screens in the saunas—combine heat, infrared energy and exercise with the goal of maximizing the calories burned in shorter bursts of time. Choose from sessions such as 30-minute hot yoga or hot Pilates, or 15-minute HIIT workouts such as cycling. The studio is open 24/7 to accommodate busy schedules. 

 4830 Rugby Ave., Bethesda, 301-966-3924, hotworx.net

Life Time

Billed as “Potomac’s first athletic country club,” that Life Time location is all about breaking a sweat in style. Locker rooms decked out in wood and marble, and accented with flowers, feel reminiscent of a high-end hotel bathroom (they also have steam rooms, saunas and a whirlpool). Tend to your whole body, head to toe, at the spa, and recharge at the cafe with a seasonally changing menu. The Gaithersburg location (billed as “Gaithersburg’s only athletic country club”) offers swanky spa services, too, and also boasts two indoor and two outdoor pools. At both Life Time spots, children ages 3 months through 11 years can hang in the Kids Academy while you get your workout in.

1151 Seven Locks Road, Potomac, 240-314-7022; 10121 Washingtonian Blvd., Gaithersburg, 301-569-5100; my.lifetime.life

Onelife Fitness

The basketball courts are a major draw at some of the Onelife gyms; you can play pickup, just shoot around, or join one of the camps, classes, leagues or organized games. (Note: The Pike & Rose, Germantown and Olney locations don’t have courts.) Cutting-edge equipment, a wide range of group fitness classes, and amenities such as pools, whirlpools and saunas at several locations are good reasons to work out here. Overdid it just a bit? Many locations offer red light therapy (which reduces pain and inflammation), HydroMassage (for loosening tight muscles and alleviating pain) or compression therapy (to decrease muscle soreness and inflammation) on-site. 

4400 Montgomery Ave., Bethesda, 301-656-9570; 20500 Seneca Meadows Parkway, Germantown, 240-686-4500; 17821 Georgia Ave., Olney, 301-358-6698; 11594 Old Georgetown Road (Pike & Rose), Rockville, 301-245-3908; 1407 Research Blvd., Rockville, 240-599-8383; onelifefitness.com

Orangetheory Fitness

Newbies and seasoned athletes alike are welcome here—Orangetheory workouts are for all fitness levels. This popular chain takes you through instructor-led classes that differ from traditional HIIT classes because of their adaptability—you can raise or lower your intensity based on your fitness level and goals for the day. That’s aided by a system that tracks your body in real time, showing you your heart rate at all times and helping you adjust accordingly. The cardio part of the workout includes treadmills, rowers and other equipment.

7955 Woodmont Ave., Bethesda, 301-565-0366; 622 Center Point Way, Gaithersburg, 301-250-1060; 18205 Hillcrest Ave., Olney, 443-221-6700; 1601 Rockville Pike, Suite 210A (Congressional Plaza), Rockville, 240-380-3311; 12435 Park Potomac Ave., Suite R-10, Potomac, 301-265-5050; 8455 Fenton St., Silver Spring, 301-798-7433; orangetheory.com

Pink Moon

Moms are the raison d’être for this wellness center that opened in Bethesda in May 2025. Pilates and total-body toning classes are the main draws, as are yoga sessions—some of which even incorporate your little ones, from babies through preschoolers. Child care is also offered for kids ages 6 months to 6 years from 9:15 a.m. to 2:15 p.m. on weekdays. If you’re new to working out or easing back into it postpartum, don’t worry—they’re all about inclusivity here. 

7610 Old Georgetown Road, Plaza Level, Bethesda, 240-222-1146, pinkmoonmoms.com

Soldierfit

Atten-hut! Boot camp classes are the centerpiece here; the Rockville location reserves half of its 10,000 square feet for those sessions, aimed to strengthen you both physically and mentally. The 50-minute workouts are structured military-style, but the idea is to build camaraderie, too—Soldierfit encourages you to think of its trainers as your “friendly drill sergeants.” There’s also cardio and other workout equipment if you prefer to go it alone.

12241 Nebel St., Rockville, 240-669-8298; 1 E. Diamond Ave., Gaithersburg, 301-407-1800; 12210 Plum Orchard Drive, Suite 206, Silver Spring, 301-751-3163; soldierfit.com

SoulCycle 

Cyclists, you may just find your tribe at the Bethesda outpost of this popular chain of spin studios. High-energy music—maybe Taylor Swift, ’90s throwbacks or hip-hop, depending on the class—pumps from the speakers as instructors lead you through the choreography. Hooked? You can buy your own SoulCycle bike for at-home workouts and pedal along with classes you stream live. 

4931 Elm St., Bethesda, 301-803-7685, soul-cycle.com

The St. James Performance Club 

Grapevine your way to better health in the step aerobics class, challenge yourself to a boot camp-style routine in the pool, or sculpt your body on the gym equipment at this offshoot of The St. James’ mega sports complex in Virginia. Whatever your workout, refuel afterward with a tropical acai bowl or a pineapple-mango smoothie at Vim & Victor, a chef-curated wellness bar. 

6828 Wisconsin Ave., Bethesda, 240-507-5366, thestjames.com

Urban Boxing Bethesda

Some days you just want to slam a fist into something. Do that here and get a full-body workout at the same time. The plethora of classes offered in this gritty but well-equipped studio include boxing of course—but also kickboxing, Muay Thai, Brazilian jiujitsu, mixed martial arts, sparring and yoga. All experience levels are welcome, and some boxing classes are for kids only. 

4834 Cordell Ave., Bethesda, 301-656-2186, urbanboxingbethesda.com

YMCA

Dink and lob at the Y, which has a happening pickleball program—you can play, take classes or sign up for clinics. Spice up your fitness routine with a new class, from belly dancing to Zumba. Or dive into the indoor or outdoor pool (swimming classes are offered for kids, teens and adults). Bonus: Cooking classes with an emphasis on nutrition are offered for kids, adults, seniors and families. Nutrition counseling is also available for members. 

YMCA Bethesda-Chevy Chase, 9401 Old Georgetown Road, Bethesda, 301-530-3725; YMCA Silver Spring, 9800 Hastings Drive, Silver Spring, 301-585-2120; ymcadc.org 

This appeared in the 2025-2026 Insider’s Guide.

A parent said to me recently, “We don’t have time for anything anymore. Every season is another sport, another camp, another commitment.” That comment stuck with me, because it echoes what many parents have shared with me over the years. One parent told me how, in their experience with youth sports, certain activities began taking priority over everything else not because kids loved them more, but because families had already invested so much money that stepping back didn’t feel like an option.

Hockey and dance were early examples. Those weren’t just sports; they were major financial commitments that shaped the entire family’s schedule and budget. Another family we know has a son who eventually signed with the LA Kings. When he received his signing bonus, he bought his dad a new truck. He told him, “You wore your truck out taking me to practices and games all those years.” It was a heartfelt gesture, but it also shows the level of sacrifice families feel obligated to make long before they know whether any of it will pay off.

Even the outdoors, the place many of us turned to for simplicity, isn’t immune from this shift. Several people have told me how fishing, once the most accessible pastime around, has become another high‑cost, high‑pressure pursuit. Multiple locators with forward‑facing sonar, spot‑lock trolling motors, specialized tackle, and the vehicle to tow the boat have turned a “fishing boat” into a serious investment. What used to be a quiet day on the water has become yet another arena where gear and competition creep in. Parents also tell me they feel pressure to keep spending, keep traveling, and keep their kids committed year‑round, sometimes chasing the child’s dream, sometimes chasing their own. That’s not new, and it’s not going away. But it does feed into a culture where families feel they have to keep up, spend more, and sacrifice more.

Meanwhile, the simple things, the things that used to define childhood, are getting squeezed out. Those last crisp days of pheasant season. Walking a woods line for squirrels or rabbits. Wandering a field with a dog and no real agenda. Summer mornings on the lake. These moments have been replaced by “mandatory” camps, weekend tournaments, and off‑season practices that leave no room for anything else. One parent told me, “My own grandsons have so much going on that it’s almost impossible for them to find time to fish with Grampa.” Not because they don’t want to but because their schedules don’t leave room for unstructured time, family traditions, or simply being outdoors for the fun of it.

If we want kids to stay active in sports and still grow up with the outdoor traditions so many of us value, we need to bring back some balance. Let them rest. Let them wander. Let them fish with their grandparents. Let them be kids again.

Gary Korsgaden lives in Pelican Rapids, Minn.

From 2008 to 2012, Spain absolutely dominated the international soccer scene— winning two European championships (2008, 2012) and a World Cup title (2010). In 2024, the Spanish took home another Euros title, and are currently the top-ranked team in the official FIFA rankings.

Despite losing to Portugal in the UEFA Nations League final, the team is filled with a perfect blend of youth and experience with talent at every position. All eyes will be Lamine Yamal, the 18-year old sensation that took the world by storm last year with his dominant play at the Euros. 

How they Qualified: 

Spain qualified for the 2026 FIFA World Cup by finishing atop Group E in UEFA qualifying, securing one of Europe’s automatic spots for the expanded 48-team field. They put together a consistent, high-scoring campaign and remained in control of the group throughout, ultimately clinching first place ahead of Turkey and the other contenders. 

World Cup Group Stage Schedule:

• June 15: Spain vs. Cape Verde — Atlanta Stadium (12 p.m. ET)
• June 21: Spain vs. Saudi Arabia — Atlanta Stadium (12 p.m. ET)
• June 26: Spain vs. Uruguay — Guadalajara Stadium in Zapopan, Mexico (8 p.m. ET)

Group H: Spain, Cape Verde, Saudi Arabia and Uruguay | 2026 FIFA World Cup Draw

Group H is set for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, featuring Spain, Cape Verde, Saudi Arabia and Uruguay.

Previous World Cup appearances: 

• 1934, 1950, 1962, 1966, 1978, 1982, 1986, 1990, 1994, 1998, 2002, 2006, 2010, 2014, 2018, 2022

What is Spain’s Best Finish in the World Cup?

Who’ll be Spain’s Key Players at the World Cup?

Lamine Yamal is a right-winger for FC Barcelona and one of Spain’s most productive young internationals. He became the youngest player ever to represent Spain and played a major role in their EURO 2024 title, contributing both goals and assists throughout the tournament. His breakout season with Barcelona included consistent La Liga and Champions League production, and he finished runner-up for the Ballon d’Or, the highest placement ever for a teenager.

Pedri is a central midfielder for FC Barcelona and has been a regular for Spain since breaking through in 2021. He won the UEFA Euro 2020 Young Player of the Tournament, was named to the Team of the Tournament, and played in the 2022 World Cup. Known for his passing accuracy, ball retention and ability to control tempo, he remains one of Spain’s most important midfield pieces.

Rodri is Spain’s first-choice holding midfielder and an anchor for Manchester City, where he has won multiple Premier League titles, the UEFA Champions League and several domestic trophies. He captured the Ballon d’Or, becoming one of the few Spanish players in history to win the award. Rodri was central to Spain’s EURO 2024 triumph and has accumulated more than 50 caps, providing elite defensive coverage, distribution and tactical stability heading into 2026.

Who is Spain’s Manager for the World Cup?

Luis de la Fuente is Spain’s head coach and has been in charge of the senior national team since 2022 after previously managing multiple Spanish youth sides, including the U-19, U-21 and Olympic teams. He guided Spain to the EURO 2024 title, becoming the first Spain manager since Vicente del Bosque to win a major tournament. Known for balancing possession-based play with a more direct attacking approach, de la Fuente has integrated a strong mix of youth and experience into the squad and enters the 2026 World Cup cycle with a stable core and proven results at both youth and senior levels.

Spain’s All-Time Leading Scorer: 

• David Villa: 59 goals
• Played for Sporting Gijón, Real Zarazoga, Valencia, Barcelona, Atlético Madrid, New York FC, Melbourne City, Vissel Kobe

Spain’s All-Time Caps Leader: 

• Sergio Ramos: 180 Caps
• Played for Sevilla, Real Madrid, Paris Saint-Germain, Sevilla, Monterrey

Spain’s Team Nickname: 

About the Country: 

• Population: approximately 47.9 million
• Capital: Madrid

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BREAKING: 2 La Grande parks marred by vehicle damage

Published 11:09 am Friday, January 2, 2026

LA GRANDE — La Grande Parks and Recreation is seeking information regarding significant damage at both Pioneer Park and Benton Park.

Parks and Recreation Director Stu Spence announced on Friday, Jan. 2, that a vehicle, or possibly vehicles, caused the damage at both parks.

“It’s always frustrating when people damage places meant for kids and families,” Spence said. “Due to the nature of the damage, repairs will need to wait until spring, and the affected areas may take more than a year to fully recover.”

The damage at Pioneer Park happened sometime during the night of Dec. 30, at the soccer field near the pavilion, according to the press release. Similar damage was done during the night of Dec. 31 to the play field at Benton Park.

Youth sports programs and families throughout the community heavily use both of the parks. Parks and Rec will continue to assess the sites, Spence said, and develop a plan to repair the damage as conditions allow.

Anyone with information regarding these incidents is encouraged to contact Parks and Rec or the La Grande Police Department.

As we head into 2026, several forces are converging that will reshape how 27 million young athletes and their families experience organized sports. Here are the five trends we’re tracking most closely this year.

1. Smart Facility Tech Becomes the New Baseline

Every major facility project announced in 2024-2025 includes features that would have seemed extravagant a few years ago: AI-powered video capture, LED court systems, sensor-embedded surfaces, and integrated booking platforms. The $18.85 billion sports technology market is projected to hit $61.72 billion by 2030, and youth facilities are a major driver.

One innovation to watch is LED glass courts – we know, sounds expensive. ASB GlassFloor’s MultiSports system, backed by NBA investment and installed at FC Bayern Munich, lets facilities switch between basketball, volleyball, tennis, and badminton instantly. No more overlapping painted lines confusing 8-year-olds. The premium version displays live stats and video on the playing surface itself.

We’re also tracking several projects we covered in 25: Louisiana’s $45 million John Alario Jr. Youth Sports Complex (already booked through 2028 for tournaments), Florida’s $1 billion Dynasty Complex, and the $75 million Play It Forward Sports Complex in Texas.

Meanwhile, automated video has achieved scale we didn’t think possible at the rec level. Pixellot processed 1.5 million games in 2025. GameChanger’s AI cameras are rolling out to recreational baseball and softball fields, doubling viewership in early pilots. Expect every competitive facility to have fixed camera infrastructure within the next two years.

2. Content Creation Shifts from Volunteers to Agencies

Youth sports organizations are increasingly outsourcing content to specialized agencies. SkillShow now films 300+ events annually for organizations including Perfect Game USA, USA Baseball, IMG Academy, and Under Armour’s All-American combines, producing video for 250,000+ athletes. That kind of scale is impossible for individual clubs to replicate.

The consolidation wave tells the story. Drake Star reported $52 billion in H1 2025 sports tech deals, with PE M&A activity doubling year-over-year. KKR-backed PlayOn acquired MaxPreps. Hudl acquired SportContract and Titan Sports. Stack Sports/Genstar acquired PlayMetrics. The thesis: technology enables content at scale, content attracts audience, audience attracts brands.

LakePoint Sports’ Athlete Program, launched June 2025 as a “first-of-its-kind NIL-inspired content-centric initiative” for youth athletes. The program pairs elite youth players with 60+ national brand partners while LakePoint’s media team handles all production. This addresses a real problem. Research shows athletes spending 3+ hours weekly on NIL content have significantly higher odds of mental health challenges.

The data backs the shift: 90% of Gen Z turn to social media to watch sports content and Instagram delivers 4x the engagement of Facebook. Organizations that want to attract the next generation of families need professional content, and most are realizing they can’t produce it themselves.

3. World Cup 2026 Drives Historic Grassroots Soccer Investment

The 2026 FIFA World Cup, hosted across the U.S., Mexico, and Canada, has triggered the most significant youth soccer investment period in American history.

The numbers are significant. U.S. Soccer expects $100 million from FIFA as host country revenue. Participation is projected to surge from 20 million to 29 million, a 45% increase, with soccer fandom reaching 154 million people.

The infrastructure buildout is already happening. The Arthur M. Blank U.S. Soccer National Training Center in Georgia represents $200+ million in total investment, opening spring 2026 with 17 outdoor fields and a full-size indoor pitch. The U.S. Soccer Foundation has now installed 750+ mini-pitches nationwide with a goal of 1,000 by 2026, representing $70 million in social impact investment to date.

Cities are racing to add capacity. New York is adding 26 pitches to its existing 50. Chicago has completed 50. Houston targets 30 by 2026. Boston announced up to 20 with matching funds.

MLS NEXT has expanded from 143 clubs and 15,000 players in 2023-24 to 230+ clubs and 25,000 players in 2025-26. A new Development Grant Program compensates academies for players who make MLS first teams.

The model to watch is San Diego FC, which is launching the first fully funded, residential soccer academy in MLS NEXT for fall 2025. No tuition. Selection based purely on talent. If this proves viable, expect other MLS clubs to follow.

The Soccer Forward Foundation has already invested $16+ million and received a $25 million gift from philanthropist Michele Kang for women’s game equity.

4. App Consolidation Accelerates with AI Integration

Running a youth sports organization used to mean juggling six different platforms. Registration here, scheduling there, communication somewhere else, video on another, payments on yet another. That era is ending.

One big move was TeamSnap’s November 2025 launch of TeamSnap ONE, a ground-up rebuild unifying registration, payments, scheduling, communication, live streaming, and AI-powered highlights.

We’re also tracking TeamLinkt’s AI assistant “Emi,” launched October 2024 as the industry’s first AI tool handling schedule building, registration forms, and roster assignments. Under Armour Rise Flag Football and Football Canada are already on board.

Video platforms are leading the AI charge. GameChanger’s Film Room uses AI to identify significant plays automatically. Hudl’s LLM-powered summaries generate team performance breakdowns and tactical analysis linked directly to video. As GameChanger President Sameer Ahuja put it: “AI, to me, is table stakes in sports.”

The funding reflects institutional conviction. Teamworks raised $235 million at a $1.3 billion valuation. Unrivaled Sports pulled in $120 million led by DICK’S Sporting Goods. LeagueApps secured significant equity from Accel-KKR. Private equity’s share of sector deals jumped from 27.3% to 36.9%, with PE M&A up 100% year-over-year.

What to watch: which platforms can actually deliver unified experiences versus just marketing them.

5. State and Federal Legislation Reshapes the Landscape

Youth sports is increasingly a policy priority at both state and federal levels. The legislation moving through statehouses and Congress will materially affect operators, coaches, and families.

On the safety front, Florida made history in June 2025 by becoming the first state to require ECG cardiac screenings for high school athletes under “The Second Chance Act.” Starting 2026-2027, students in grades 9-12 must complete at least one ECG screening, and every school must have an AED. Watch for other states to follow. Tennessee’s Safe Stars Act already requires comprehensive cardiac, concussion, and heat illness training. California’s 2024 heat illness rules are now the strictest in the country, mandating wet bulb globe thermometer monitoring with escalating restrictions.

On the funding front, the bipartisan Youth Sports Facilities Act (S. 1419 / H.R. 10221) would make youth sports facilities eligible for EDA grants, roughly $500 million annually, prioritizing rural and underserved communities. The PLAY Act would let families use the Child and Dependent Care Tax Credit for youth sports expenses. This is meaningful when average family spending on a child’s primary sport hit $1,016 in 2024, up 46% since 2019.

On the NIL front, 40+ states now allow high school athletes to monetize NIL to some degree. The federal HUSTLE Act, introduced December 2025, would create tax-advantaged NIL Investment Accounts and cap agent fees at 5%. Six states still prohibit high school NIL entirely.

Five More Trends on Our Radar

Officials Shortage Reaches Crisis Point

• The industry has lost 50,000 officials since 2018-19, with only 2 in 10 returning for a third year.
• Games are already being canceled in some regions due to shortages, and 22 states have enacted laws creating criminal penalties for assaulting officials.

Girls Sports Participation Hits All-Time Records

• High school girls participation reached a record 3.54 million in 2024-25, led by girls flag football (up 60% in one year) and girls wrestling (now 18% of all high school wrestlers).
• The 2028 LA Olympics inclusion of flag football is accelerating investment, with 28 states now sanctioning the sport.

Youth Sports Insurance

• The number of carriers willing to write youth sports insurance has shrunk from 30 to less than a handful over ten years.
• Organizations that receive even two quotes now consider it “a miracle,” and some are seeing 50% rate increases on premiums.

Mental Health Requirements Move from Optional to Mandatory

• The NCAA now requires annual mental health screenings for all member institutions as of August 2024, and seven state high school athletic associations mandate mental health training for coaches.
• Expect these requirements to expand to volunteer youth coaches in coming years.

High School Esports Doubles as Traditional Sports Integrate Gaming

• High school esports reached 200,000+ registered players in 2024, doubling from 2020, with 8,600+ schools now fielding teams.
• The NFL’s Madden Youth Championship attracted 1,000+ schools in its first season, signaling major leagues see scholastic esports as a fan development pipeline.

Source List

1. Smart Facility Tech Becomes the New Baseline

• Grand View Research: Sports Technology Market Size, Share | Industry Report, 2030
• Sportico: NBA All-Star 2025 Floor: Inside Orlando’s LED Glass Court Test Center
• ASB GlassFloor: Certified for Professional Sports and Teams
• NOLA.com: New Orleans area will soon get a $45M youth sports complex
• FTWtoday: New $75 million youth sports complex planned for Roanoke, TX
• YSBR: Youth Sports Facilities Are Now Anchoring Billion-Dollar Real Estate Developments

2. Content Creation Shifts from Volunteers to Agencies

• Drake Star: Sports Tech Market H1 2025: $52B in Disclosed Deals; Youth Sports & Digital Media Consolidation
• Athletic Business: How Creating NIL-Related Social Media Content Is Impacting Collegiate Athletes’ Mental Health
• WSC Sports: Building Student-Athlete Brands: Why Content Creation Is Essential to Maximizing NIL Potential
• IOI Ventures: Youth Soccer Social Media Marketing: How to Grow Your Club Online

3. World Cup 2026 Drives Historic Grassroots Soccer Investment

• ESPN: How U.S. Soccer can grow the game with $100 million World Cup windfall
• U.S. Soccer: Growing the Game: Soccer Forward Foundation Scales Up as U.S. Soccer’s FIFA World Cup ’26 Legacy Initiative
• U.S. Soccer: U.S. Soccer Breaks Ground on the Arthur M. Blank U.S. Soccer National Training Center
• U.S. Soccer Foundation: Foundation’s 700th Mini-Pitch Opened
• U.S. Soccer Foundation: Installation of 500th Mini-Pitch
• World Cup Boston: Boston and U.S. Soccer Foundation Launch Mini-Pitch Initiative
• San Jose Earthquakes: MLS Announces MLS NEXT Development Grant Program
• US Soccer Parent: San Diego FC’s MLS NEXT Academy Signals Nationwide Shift

4. App Consolidation Accelerates with AI Integration

• Business Research Insights: Youth Sports Software Market Size, Trend & Share | CAGR of 12.5%
• YSBR: TeamSnap Launches TeamSnap One a Unified Platform Combining Registration, Live Streaming, and Expert Training Content
• Business Wire: The First-Ever AI Assistant for Youth Sports Launched by TeamLinkt
• Retail Dive: GameChanger launches AI-powered video analysis tool for youth basketball, volleyball
• GameChanger: Imagining The Future of AI in Youth Sports
• Hudl: What’s New on Hudl for Soccer: AI Insights, Assist+ Upgrades, and Smarter Video Tools
• YSBR: The Future of Volleyball Analytics: Inside Hudl’s Acquisition of Balltime
• Accel-KKR: LeagueApps Secures Significant Equity Investment from Accel-KKR
• YSBR: How Youth Sports Became a Magnet for Private Equity
• Capstone Partners: Sports Technology M&A Update – August 2025

5. State and Federal Legislation Reshapes the Landscape

• PR Newswire: Florida Becomes First State to Require ECG Screenings for High School Athletes
• FOX 13 Tampa Bay: New Florida law requires heart screenings for high school athletes
• TSSAA: Health & Safety Policies
• Little League: State Laws on Sudden Cardiac Arrest Training
• CBS News: New CIF rules statewide regulate when high school teams can practice, play in extreme heat
• U.S. Senate: S.1419 – Youth Sports Facilities Act of 2024
• YSBR: Bipartisan Youth Sports Facilities Act: A Strategic Investment in Community Development and Child Wellness
• U.S. Senate (Ossoff): Sens. Ossoff, Young Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Boost Youth Sports Opportunities
• U.S. House (Gottheimer): Bipartisan Legislation Providing Tax Credits for Families to Lower the Cost of Little League, Youth Rec Sports
• YSBR: Congressman Proposes $2,000 Youth Sports Tax Credit in New Federal Bill
• U.S. Senate Commerce Committee: Cantwell & Blackburn Introduce Bipartisan Legislation to Protect College Athletes’ New NIL Compensation
• National Law Review: High School NIL Raises Labor and Child Law Issues

6. Officials Shortage Reaches Crisis Point

• NFHS: With Loss of 50,000 Officials, NFHS Organizes Consortium to Find Solutions
• NFHS: NASO Survey Indicates Concerns with Sportsmanship, Shortage of Officials
• ESPN: Assaults on officials raise doubts about the future of youth sports
• Refr Sports: Youth Sports and Referee Shortages: What’s Causing the Decline and How to Fix It
• Connecticut General Assembly: Laws on Attacks on Sports Officials
• SportStars Magazine: Beyond the Game: Tackling the Crisis of Referee Shortages in High School and Youth Sports
• Become Elite Soccer: Referee Abuse Policy Update 2025

7. Girls Sports Participation Hits All-Time Records

• NFHS: High School Sports Participation Hits Record High in 2024-25
• Sports Illustrated: High School Sports Participation Hits All-Time High in 2024-25, Fueled by Growth in Girls Programs
• YSBR: High School Sports Participation Reaches Record 8.3 Million Athletes as Girls Programs Drive Growth via NFHS
• Project Play: State of Play 2025: Participation Trends
• Formula4 Media: Girls’ wrestling is fueling growth at all levels
• U.S. News & World Report: Caitlin Clark Effect Hasn’t Reversed the Decades-Long Decline in Girls Basketball Participation

8. Youth Sports Insurance

• Insurance Journal: Youth Sports Liability Market in ‘Armageddon Mode’
• Insurance Business America: Why youth sports insurance is facing a critical reckoning
• Verified Market Reports: Youth Sports Insurance Market Size, SWOT, Competitive Growth & Forecast

9. Mental Health Requirements Move from Optional to Mandatory

• Higher Education Today: NCAA Mandates Annual Mental Health Screenings for Student-Athletes
• Spectrum News NY1: Pro athletes push for mental health help in youth sports
• Project Play: Coaching Trends – State of Play 2024
• MedicalXpress: Maryland Gov. Wes Moore signs bill requiring mental health training for public high school, college coaches
• U.S. Center for Mental Health & Sport
• UW Medicine: Strengthening Mental Health for Young Athletes

10. High School Esports Doubles as Traditional Sports Integrate Gaming

• Carrollton Trojans: Esports boosting extracurricular participation, self-esteem in Georgia high schools
• PlayVS: Partners
• PlayVS: What is high school esports
• NFL Communications: National Football League and PlayVS Launch Second Season of the Madden NFL Youth Championship
• Quantumrun: College Esports Program Growth Statistics (2025)

About Youth Sports Business Report

Youth Sports Business Report is the largest and most trusted source for youth sports industry news, insights, and analysis covering the $54 billion youth sports market. Trusted by over 50,000 followers including industry executives, investors, youth sports parents and sports business professionals, we are the premier destination for comprehensive youth sports business intelligence.

Our core mission: Make Youth Sports Better. As the leading authority in youth sports business reporting, we deliver unparalleled coverage of sports business trends, youth athletics, and emerging opportunities across the youth sports ecosystem.

Our expert editorial team provides authoritative, in-depth reporting on key youth sports industry verticals including:

• Sports sponsorship and institutional capital (Private Equity, Venture Capital)
• Youth Sports events and tournament management
• NIL (Name, Image, Likeness) developments and compliance
• Youth sports coaching and sports recruitment strategies
• Sports technology and data analytics innovation
• Youth sports facilities development and management
• Sports content creation and digital media monetization

Whether you’re a sports industry executive, institutional investor, youth sports parent, coach, or sports business enthusiast, Youth Sports Business Report is your most reliable source for the actionable sports business insights you need to stay ahead of youth athletics trends and make informed decisions in the rapidly evolving youth sports landscape.

Join our growing community of 50,000+ industry leaders who depend on our trusted youth sports business analysis to drive success in the youth sports industry.

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Are you a brand looking to tap into the world’s most passionate fanbase… youth sports?

Introducing Play Up Partners, a leading youth sports marketing agency connecting brands with the power of youth sports. We specialize in youth sports sponsorships, partnerships, and activations that drive measurable results.

About Play Up Partners

Play Up Partners is a leading youth sports marketing agency connecting brands with the power of youth sports. We specialize in youth sports sponsorships, partnerships, and activations that drive measurable results.

Why Sponsor Youth Sports?

Youth sports represents one of the most engaged and passionate audiences in sports marketing. With over 70 million young athletes and their families participating annually, the youth sports industry offers brands unparalleled access to motivated communities with strong purchasing power and loyalty.

What Does Play Up Partners Do?

We’ve done the heavy lifting to untangle the complex youth sports landscape so our brand partners can engage with clarity, confidence, and impact. Our vetted network of accredited youth sports organizations (from local leagues to national tournaments and operators) allows us to create flexible, scalable programs that evolve with the market.

Our Approach

Every partnership we build is rooted in authenticity and value creation. We don’t just broker deals. We craft youth sports marketing strategies that:

• Deliver measurable ROI for brand partners
• Create meaningful experiences for athletes and families
• Elevate the youth sports ecosystem

Our Vision

We’re positioning youth sports as the most desirable and effective platform in sports marketing. Our mission is simple: MAKE YOUTH SPORTS BETTER for athletes, families, organizations, and brand partners.

Common Questions About Youth Sports Marketing

Where can I sponsor youth sports? How do I activate in youth sports? What is the ROI of youth sports marketing? How much does youth sports sponsorship cost?

We have answers. Reach out to info@playuppartners.com to learn how Play Up Partners can help your brand navigate the youth sports landscape.

Youth sports organizations: Interested in partnership opportunities? Reach out to learn about our accreditation process.