Youth Sports Needs Assessment

In this study, I explore the need for a comprehensive youth sports facility, inspired by my long-held vision of creating a one-stop sports center offering a wide range of services, from physical therapy to nutrition guidance, designed for both professional athletes and underserved youth. My primary goal is to leverage the facility to make sports resources more accessible to children from diverse socioeconomic backgrounds. This vision is deeply personal, and rooted in my own experience of growing up with limited access to athletic guidance and resources. I believe participation in youth sports offers numerous benefits, including improved physical health, as well as fostering resilience, leadership, and social cohesion. Research shows youth sports can help combat rising childhood obesity, foster inclusive communities, and enhance cognitive and academic development. However, financial barriers and lack of access to resources often prevent many low-income families from participating. This study emphasizes the need for accessible sports programs, financial assistance, equipment drives, and free camps to help bridge this gap. I collected data from 69 participants—parents of youth athletes—to understand their perspectives on sports engagement and the need for enhanced sports infrastructure. The results highlighted football and basketball as the most common sports, and revealed moderate physical activity levels among participants, indicating the need for greater youth physical activity promotion Through this needs assessment, I emphasize the critical role of youth sports in holistic development and the necessity of creating accessible sports facilities. The proposed facility aims to promote inclusivity, equity, and long-term well-being for young athletes from all backgrounds by addressing financial and social barriers.