06/16/2022
There have been many studies that have shown the wide array of benefits that children can get from sports. The growing gap in youth sports due to economic status is causing lower-income kids to play less and not gain these benefits. Many issues with our current pro volleyball leagues like struggling to grow in popularity, can be traced back to these issues. Here are a few reasons why:
Based on a study by Utah State University, the average family spends around per child $650 for a volleyball league. Currently, that amount won't even cover a single season in any competitive volleyball club in RI.
The average cost of youth basketball for a season is $427, meanwhile, volleyball which uses almost the same equipment and space costs an average of $595 per season. That $163 difference per season despite little requirement differences.
The average age of a player introduced to volleyball is 12.3, the second-highest age behind track and field. Soccer and baseball sit at 9.1 and 10.5 in comparison. The same study links household income to be the most influential factor in age to start participation.
Due to late entry into sports, the average length of participation is an average 2 years, the lowest for any team sport.
Household income is preventing our youth from playing at all, making them play the sport later and for shorter amounts of time than other team sports. This prevents volleyball from reaching more players and prevents the sport from growing at all levels.
Every kid who wants to play volleyball should get the chance. IronFox Volleyball aims to make this possible. For more information view the link below or stay tuned for most posts.
Project Play collects and distributes youth sports facts and research about the challenges associated with physical activity for kids.