COVID-19 could fundamentally change the purpose of youth sports, requiring adults in charge to provide care for athletes’ mental health, not simply their athletic talent. Experts say this transformation must happen to help youth who will reenter youth sports with greater mental health needs.
How sports can help rebuild America
U.S. Soccer advises phased return to play, no youth travel tournaments
Experts: Youth sports need new infrastructure, partnerships
Many kids are pushed out or priced out of the current youth sports system already. What steps need to be taken to avoid a participation drop after COVID-19? Can we create a model where youth sports helps the whole community recover? Read highlights from Project Play’s sixth webinar.
How vulnerable are kids to COVID-19? Youth sports navigate uncertainty
The risk of kids becoming infected with the coronavirus and transmitting it to adults has become a central question in whether to reopen youth sports. Data show children are getting infected at much lower rates than adults. Still, many health experts caution that it’s too soon to declare kids a lower risk.
Business vs. safety: USSSA guidelines for travel sports raise concerns
Will there be enough officials when youth sports games return?
Bikes are having a moment: Kids turn to riding during COVID-19
Health experts: Travel games should be last to return in youth sports
As some states begin to reopen from coronavirus pandemic restrictions, youth sports are starting to return in pockets of the country. On May 13, the Aspen Institute’s Project Play hosted our fifth webinar, this one aimed at understanding what steps should be taken to safely bring youth sports back.
‘Wild west’: Youth sports providers weigh liability risks
Press release: Helping people return to play - Aspen Institute creates COVID-19 risk assessment tool
New resource analyzes risk in a variety of sport, recreational activities.
Survey: 31% of parks departments already cut 2020-21 budgets
Helping people return to play – Aspen Institute creates COVID-19 Risk Assessment Tool
The Aspen Institute releases Return to Play, the first cross-sport risk assessment guide that sets out how various sport and recreation activities can be enjoyed while minimizing transmission or contraction of the COVID-19 virus.
Ex-MLB star Omar Vizquel: Let health experts decide return of youth sports
How can kids engage in creative and safe play during the crisis with organized sports on hold? On April 29, the Aspen institute’s Project Play hosted our fourth webinar, this one aimed at parents to help them reintroduce free play to kids.
How will youth sports return to play? USOPC offers first glimpse
Medical expert: Kids need gradual return to sports after COVID-19
What do kids need from coaches during and after the pandemic? That’s the question every coach should be asking. On April 22, the Aspen Institute’s Project Play hosted our third webinar, this one aimed at assisting coaches to help kids stay physically and emotionally healthy.
How likely is Congress to support a youth sports industry bailout?
More than 400 youth sports organizations supported a letter sent this week to Congress seeking $8.5 billion in relief for anticipated losses from the coronavirus pandemic. Now comes the harder challenge: Finding sponsors in Congress and crafting a viable bill within a fragmented youth sports ecosystem.
3 innovative ideas by youth sports providers during COVID-19
Will youth sports “tournacations” and megacomplexes survive COVID-19?
Leaders say transparency is vital for youth sports refunds
How should youth sports providers manage an unprecedented crisis? On April 15, the latest Aspen Institute’s Project Play hosted our second webinar to help youth and school sports stakeholders navigate the challenges and opportunities ahead.