What is the author's point of view for ''the cost is too high for many young people to play youth sports'' Youth Sports for All
1 There are many ways for young people today to play sports. For example, they could play with their friends at neighborhood parks, or they could play sports through organized town clubs or leagues. Playing sports teaches participants about teamwork, healthy competition, and the power of persistence. It also gives young athletes a chance to build confidence, social skills, and healthy habits. Yet, only around 58 percent of young people play sports. Participation is even less among certain groups of young people. Why the relatively low numbers of young people participating in organized sports? There are far too many barriers for many young people to access youth sports, creating an unfair and unequal playing field.
2 One of the leading reasons many young people cannot participate in organized sports is the cost. Some programs require athletes to pay for equipment, uniforms, and/or travel. Expenses may also include pay-to-play fees, or fees to use fields, courts, or gymnasiums. For many, this cost is simply too high.
3 With all these expenses, it’s not too surprising that household income plays a role. According to the Sports & Fitness Industry Association, only 22 percent of children from homes earning less than $25,000/year play organized sports. In comparison, 43 percent of children from homes earning more than $100,000/year do. It’s hardly fair that if families can’t afford to pay, their child misses the opportunity to play in organized clubs or leagues.
4 Another barrier preventing all young people from participating in organized youth sports is gender bias and discrimination against female athletes. Women athletes are faced with many challenges when wanting to participate in sports. For example, an Arizona State University Global Sport Institute study revealed that fewer girls play sports because of outdated or old-fashioned ideas about gender roles. When women athletes are not taken seriously, or are seen as less capable than male athletes, their interest and participation drop. Studies show that twice as many girls drop out of sports by age 14 as compared to boys.
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DIRECTIONS
As you read, underline evidence that conflicts with the author’s point of view. Then, complete the activity on page 6.

GRADE 8 Recognize Conflicting Evidence or Viewpoints ©Curriculum Associates, LLC Copying permitted for classroom use. 4 of 6
bias: feeling that one group is better than another group; prejudice
COMPREHENSION TOOLS Name: Recognize Conflicting Evidence or Viewpoints
5 Additionally, students with physical or intellectual disabilities do not have equal access to inclusive youth sports. They may need supportive equipment, such as beep baseball for youth who are vision impaired or nets that are closer to the ground for sitting volleyball. As a result, children with disabilities are often forced to commute to other communities that do have accessible equipment, which is another financial burden. One 2015 study found that young athletes with disabilities are 4.5 times less active compared to their typically developing peers. Furthermore, only 28 percent of youth with autism and 31 percent with Down syndrome participate on a sports team, according to a 2018 report by the National Physical Activity Plan Alliance.
6 Some people think that the number of young people playing organized youth sports does not need any improvement. Some studies even show that participation has remained constant for a long period of time. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention gathers information about the physical activity of young people. Its National Youth Risk Behavior survey demonstrates that high school students playing at least one team sport a year has been steady from 1999 (55 percent) to 2019 (57 percent). And from a business perspective, youth sports have grown into a $17 billion industry. This industry is expected to grow to $78 billion by 2026.
7 Yet, these statistics about the outlook of youth sports do not tell the whole story. While many young people continue to play organized sports, communities as a whole must do better by removing obstacles to youth sports. Every child deserves access to these opportunities. Town clubs and leagues must rise up and make changes that demonstrate the belief that all kids have a right to the benefits that playing sports offers.
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accessible: available to everyone