President’s Council on Sports, Fitness & Nutrition (PCSFN) Science Board Resources for Youth Sports

The natural enthusiasm that children and adolescents (collectively referred to as “youth”) have for physical activity and play creates an ideal opportunity for encouraging sports as an integral part of their development. In order to increase youth engagement in sports across all communities, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services developed a comprehensive National Youth Sports Strategy (NYSS).1

The NYSS provides a variety of opportunities and action items to unite the nation’s youth sports culture around a shared vision: that one day all youth will have the opportunity, motivation, and access to play sports, regardless of their race, ethnicity, sex, ability, or ZIP code.

Building on this charge, the Science Board Subcommittee (Science Board) of the President’s Council on Sports, Fitness & Nutrition (Council) has developed a report to equip the Council with a deeper scientific understanding of why youth sports matter and how to promote key features of the NYSS.

The report is organized around four pillars, all of which are supported by current, interdisciplinary science:

1. making youth sports accessible;
2. optimizing the youth sports experience;
3. parenting, coaching, and mentoring youth; and
4. fostering lifelong participation and retention in sports.

Research shows that participating in youth sports can lead to immediate and long-term benefits for youth, their families, and communities. The National Youth Sports Strategy aims to unite U.S. youth sports culture around a shared vision: that one day, all youth will have the opportunity, motivation, and access to play sports—regardless of their race, ethnicity, sex, ability, or ZIP code. Check out this one page report outlining the many benefits of youth sport participation including:

• Mental, Emotional, and Social Health
• Physical Health
• Educational and Career Success
• Lifelong Participation
• Economic and Community Impact