The Landscape
Driven by both parental and now institutional investment, youth sports has become a professional industry in the US, having grown into a massive market valued at an estimated $40 billion annually. This exceeds the total annual revenue of the entire NFL. From mega athletic facilities to private equity investment, the “pay-to-play” model has never been as financially taxing on household finances as it is today.
The Problem
Due to this financial explosion and the ever-rising costs of participation, the data shows that lower and even middle-income families with multiple kids are increasingly being priced out of accessing quality youth sport and wellness programming. These conditions have only widened the divide, creating a youth sport landscape where the game is certainly not fair.
THE RESULT
Only those kids with the financial means or those who have displayed exceptional athletic ability at a young age can participate. For those left out, the impact can be devastating.
Research shows that reduced access to health and wellness programs at a young age can have extensive and lasting consequences, profoundly affecting an individual’s physical, mental, and cognitive development. It’s well documented that these effects can lead to chronic health issues, academic underachievement, mental health problems, and economic instability that persist well into adulthood.
The Solution
To combat the current and often excessive “pay-to-play” model in youth sports, the TGIF Foundation seeks to provide full scholarships & financial assistance to families in the Greater Boston — MetroWest region, allowing them access to high-quality, safe, and professional youth sport enrichment programs. Serving grades 2nd - 11th, athletic ability is not an evaluation criterion.
