Every Child Deserves the Opportunity to Play

When kids play sports, they build confidence, connection and character — skills that carry them from the playground to the classroom and beyond. They also grow up healthier — physically, mentally and emotionally.

Yet today, despite the well-documented value, only 55 percent of children participate in youth sports due to obstacles like cost, program availability and access.

Park and recreation agencies are among the nation's largest providers of youth sports, managing most public sports facilities nationwide. With 92 percent of agencies offering youth sports programs, local park and recreation agencies reach more than 50 million youth each year. But growing demand and persistent funding challenges make it difficult to ensure every child has access to these opportunities.

Investing in the Future Through the STRONG Kids Act (H.R. 9839)

The Sports Training, Recreation and Opportunities for the Next Generation (STRONG) Kids Act is bipartisan legislation that would provide sustainable federal funding to expand access to youth sports opportunities across the country.

The legislation would:

  • Establish a grant program administered by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
  • Dedicate 50 percent of the federal excise tax collected on sports betting to fund youth sports opportunities.
  • Make grants available to eligible nonprofit organizations and government organizations at the national, state and local levels.
  • Generate an estimated $200 million annually to invest in youth sports programs that help more children access the physical, mental and social benefits of sports participation.

By investing in youth sports, the STRONG Kids Act would help reduce financial obstacles, expand opportunities and strengthen the programs that help children learn, grow and thrive.

Join the Bipartisan Effort to Support the STRONG Kids Act

Congress has an opportunity to expand access to youth sports for millions of children by investing in programs that improve health, strengthen communities and create lifelong opportunities for young people.

Interested in co-sponsoring the STRONG Kids Act (H.R. 9839)? Please contact the office of Rep. Mike Carey.

 

 

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