Survey Reveals the Extent of Pressure Parents Put on Kids Through Sports
The Aspen Institute's Project Play initiative — one of the most respected voices in youth sports research and a key partner organization for Valiant Sports Society — has released findings from one of the most comprehensive surveys of young athletes ever conducted. Nearly 4,000 youth ages 10–17 were asked why they play sports, why they quit, and what their parents do that helps or hurts. The results are hard to ignore.
Steve Borelli of USA TODAY breaks down the five most important takeaways from the report — and what they mean for parents who want to do right by their kids.
Key Findings
1. Parents are the #1 reason kids quit
Kids who quit sports reported a steep drop in parental support — and a sharp rise in negative parental behavior. A toxic combination of high pressure and low emotional support is the single strongest predictor of a child abandoning sports entirely.
2. Girls are bearing the brunt of parental pressure
Female former players were roughly twice as likely as male former players to report that their parents compared them to other players (25% vs. 9%), pressured them to play (24% vs. 16%), and argued with coaches or referees (13% vs. 6%).
3. Basketball and soccer parents show the worst behavior
Basketball parents ranked highest in negative behavior across six of eight categories measured. Soccer parents reported the highest rates of getting angry about performance and comparing their child to others.
4. Kids quit around age 13 — and "not good enough" is why
The average age former players stopped participating is 12.93. For those who quit, feeling "I'm not good enough" (29%) was the most common reason — followed by bad coaching (21%). Both are things adults directly influence.
5. Fun and friendship are why kids play — not winning
"Having fun" (48%) and "playing with friends" (47%) are the top two reasons kids participate in sports — by a wide margin. Winning ranked far lower. Parents who optimize for winning are optimizing for the wrong thing.
"It feels like as a society we are determined to not listen to kids about why they play sports."
By Steve Borelli — USA TODAY
Published April 28, 2026 · Republished with permission
Read the Full Article at USA TODAY →Stay Informed
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