The Youth Sports Affordability Crisis

Youth sports once gave opportunities for all kids to play, but the rise of club teams — which come with higher costs and are often backed by private equity — are pricing out many participants. California families spend some $2,000 dollars a year for just one child to play a club sport, and nearly 60 percent of families nationwide say the costs have caused financial strain. What will it take to keep lower income kids on the field? We hear from reporters covering the issue across California, and a youth sports advocate who helped with the passage of California’s Youth Sports for All Act.

Guests:

• Katie DeBenedetti, reporter, KQED
• Alexander Nguyen, multimedia producer, KPBS
• Tom Bùi, coach at City Heights Soccer League in San Diego
• Renata Simril, ceo and president of the LA84 Foundation, president of the Play Equity Fund