A new AP-NORC poll reveals that despite the recognised benefits of organised sports for children, financial barriers mean higher-income families are far more likely to have their children participate, highlighting ongoing disparities in access to extracurricular activities.
Many American parents say organised sport gives children more than exercise: it can build teamwork, confidence and friendships, while also cutting down on screen time. But a new AP-NORC poll shows that access is far from equal, with children in higher-income households far more likely to take part than those in families under greater financial pressure.
According to the AP-Ipsos poll, about 70% of parents in households earning more than $100,000 a year say their children play organised sports, compared with about 40% of lower-income families. Parents across income levels still see sports as valuable for character building, but the gap suggests that money remains a major barrier to participation.
The cost of keeping children in sport can be substantial. A report on family spending by Kiplinger, drawing on Aspen Institute data, said the average family spent $1,016 in 2024 on a child’s main sport, up 46% from 2019, plus another $475 on other activities. Fees, travel, equipment, coaching and year-round competition can quickly push costs higher, while scheduling demands can also make participation difficult.
The pattern is not new. Pew Research Center found in 2015 that higher-income and better-educated parents were more likely to report that their children had taken part in sports and other extracurriculars. A CDC report later found that 54.1% of children aged 6 to 17 played sports in the previous 12 months, with participation rising as family income increased and falling in the South. A study in the Journal of Sports Sciences also found that higher-income parents were more likely to report organised team participation and higher spending, reinforcing the AP poll’s broader picture: youth sports may be widely valued, but they are still easier to access for families with more money to spare.
Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical judgment, advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
