The statistics are staggering: 62% of kids ages 9-13 do not participate in any organized physical activity during non-school hours due to financial constraints. Of those that do play, over 70% drop out by age 13 (National Alliance for Youth Sports, 2002). KIDS in the GAME is a nonprofit focused on inspiring kids to thrive in life through sports. We empower more young athletes to live up to their full potential through positive sports experiences that form active, healthy habits for a lifetime.
Sports Have an Impact
Sports Level the Playing Field for Kids
Youth sports provide an action-oriented and successful path to discipline, leadership, crime-prevention, lower dropout rates and healthy lifestyles. Research studies overwhelmingly show that kids who participate in after-school athletic programs have:
• better social skills
• better academic performance
• higher levels of physical activity later in life
• less substance abuse
• less teen pregnancy
• less obesity
• less misconduct and criminal activity
Sports also offer coaching, role-modeling and a healthy team environment for kids who need stability. At KIDS in the GAME, we see the power of sports as a highly effective strategy to address the multitude of social and health issues facing our youth today.
“Kids pay better attention to their subjects and are less likely to be disruptive in the classroom when they’re active. They feel better about themselves, have higher self-esteem, less depression, less anxiety.”
– Dr. Antoinette Yancey, Director,UCLA School of Public Health
