One challenge in advocating for play equity is the youth physical activity, sports, and outdoor recreation sector is decentralized. Youth physical activity happens across a broad range of other “sectors” including schools, parks and recreation, nature/environment, out of school time, youth development, and youth sports. Unfortunately, few of these other sectors view equitable access to and engagement in physical activity as a high priority. In fact, from a policy and funding standpoint, youth physical activity and education is often the lowest priority leaving it vulnerable to cuts from the very institutions – schools and municipalities – best positioned to provide access.
One goal of the Coalition is to make play a priority across these sectors and center physical activity as an essential component of healthy youth development. Given everything research tells us about the value of physical activity to growing brains and bodies, it’s short sighted to believe that an investment in physical activity won’t pay dividends in improved health and educational outcomes. To that end, the Coalition is trying to tell the story – across the full spectrum of of the youth sports and outdoor recreation sector – about what our sector looks like and what its needs are to serve all kids: ultimately to elevate play equity as a regional priority.
Here is some data from Coalition members on the impact of Covid on their programs and ability to serve youth. As they return to school and activities, youth need play more than ever before, and our youth physical activity infrastructure is not prepared to serve them without more support and resources.
