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United in Play: State of Youth Sports Survey

United in Play: State of Youth Sports is a national effort to better understand the experiences, challenges, and opportunities within youth sports today. We are interested in hearing from parents, coaches, caregivers, and community members across the country to capture what’s really happening on the ground—from access and affordability to mental health, well-being, and the overall youth sports experience.

Youth sports should be a powerful pathway for connection, confidence, and growth. But for many families, barriers like cost, time, transportation, and lack of support are changing how—and if—kids participate. This survey is designed to surface those realities and identify where communities can take action.

Why This Matters:
This work is led by United in Play, an initiative of the United Way of Hunterdon County focused on leveraging youth sports as a gateway to mental health, connection, and opportunity. United in Play equips coaches and trusted adults with tools like Mental Health First Aid, expands access to sports for underserved youth, and works to normalize conversations around mental health—where kids already are: on the field, court, and sidelines.

At the same time, we know that too many families are being left out. Across the country, a significant portion of households fall into what’s known as ALICE—Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed. These are working families who earn above the poverty line but still struggle to afford basic needs like housing, childcare, and yes—youth sports. Rising registration fees, equipment costs, and travel demands are putting participation out of reach, creating inequities in access to the very activities that support youth well-being.

The insights gathered through this survey will directly inform:
  • Program design and expansion of United in Play locally and nationally
  • Strategies to reduce barriers to participation, especially for ALICE families
  • Training and resources for coaches, schools, and community organizations
  • Advocacy efforts to influence policy and investment in youth sports and mental health
  • A national snapshot report to elevate the real experiences of families and drive collective action
This isn’t a “check-the-box” exercise. It’s a data-driven strategy to reshape how youth sports show up for young people—making them more accessible, more supportive, and more impactful.

We’re building the future of youth sports—one that prioritizes access, mental health, and equity. Your voice helps ensure that future is grounded in reality, not assumptions.
1.What is your role?(Required.)
2.To your knowledge, are there youth in your house or community currently participating in youth sports?(Required.)
3.What are the biggest barriers to youth participating in sports in your community? (select all that apply)(Required.)
4.How significant of a barrier is the cost of youth sports (registration, equipment, travel) for your family or families in your community.(Required.)
5.Have you or someone you know had to limit or forgo youth sports participation due to cost?(Required.)
6.How easy is it for youth in your community to access sports programs (consider distance, transportation and location)?(Required.)
7.To what extent do you believe youth sports programs in your community are inclusive and welcoming to all youth (regardless of income, background, or ability)?(Required.)
8.In your opinion, why do youth stop participating in sports? (select all that apply)(Required.)
9.What would make the biggest difference in increasing youth participation in sports? (select up to 3)(Required.)
10.What sports or organizations are you involved with?(Required.)
11.What state do you reside in?(Required.)
Mental Health in Youth Sports
There is an evolving body of research that talks about the connection between mental health and youth sports. We would like to gain more understanding about your perception of the connection (if any) and your thoughts on mental health in sports.
12.How important is supporting youth mental health through sports and in sports.(Required.)
13.Who do you believe should be primarily responsible for supporting youth mental health in sports? (select all that apply)(Required.)
14.What role (if any) do you feel sports coaches play in the mental health of youth athletes? (select all that apply)(Required.)
15.What do you see as the biggest barriers to supporting youth mental health in sports?(Required.)
16.How confident are you that coaches are equipped to support youth mental health?(Required.)
Community & Collaboration
17.If ONE barrier could be removed tomorrow, which would have the greatest impact on youth participation in sports?
18.In what ways would you be open to supporting youth mental health in sports?(Required.)
19.Are you interested in: (Select all that apply)
20.What does a positive and supportive youth sports experience look like to you?
21.Any additional comments or suggestions?
Contact Information.

We are looking for parents, coaches, teams, leagues and funders who share our passion for youth sports and ensuring that all kids have accessto playing.

If you would like more information about United Way's signature program, United in Play, please share your contact information so that we can be in touch.