Let’s play ball: Jill Filipovic on access and opportunity in youth sport leagues

In the U.S., participating in youth sports is expensive and time-consuming. As writer Jill Filipovic explains, kids from wealthier families can join costly club travel teams, but because of a lack of funding in poorer communities, there are fewer options for low-cost recreational leagues and school-sponsored sports. In this essay, she makes a case that this growing divide in youth sports compounds other systemic inequities in U.S. society.

Jill Filipovic, "The Crisis of Youth Sports," Substack, 5 April 2023.

 

1. What does Jill Filipovic’s argument respond to? Where in her argument does she introduce a “they say”?
   
2. Filipovic describes her own experiences playing youth sports, and she states she is “so, so glad I played” (paragraph 6). What did youth sports give her, both as a child and now as an adult? Respond to her argument, using your own experiences as evidence to back up your claims. Do you think playing youth sports is important? Why or why not?
3. Filipovic argues that the inequity present in youth sports is “a microcosm of so much more” (paragraph 16). What does she mean by this statement? Paraphrase her responses to the “so what?” and “who cares?” questions using the templates in Chapter 8.
4. Review the “Cost to Play Trends” from the Aspen Institute’s State of Play 2022 report. This cost trends report states, “Children in the U.S. are still having different sports experiences based on money.” Look at the graphs in this report. How do these graphs support this claim? What surprises you in these graphs? Why?

Comments

[jesus]

i have to do thizs for a stupid assignment

[Noshad Sunny Azad]

For many young athletes, the opportunity to participate in youth sports leagues is a dream come true. But as Jill Filipovic writes in her essay “Let’s Play Ball,” the reality is that these leagues can be exclusive, expensive, and require a level of commitment that many people cannot afford.

Filipovic argues that the current system of youth sports leagues can create a class divide, with those who can afford the fees and commitment having access to better resources and coaching. Those who cannot often get left behind, unable to join the best teams, or even teams at all. This lack of access means that those who need the most help in developing their talents — those from low-income backgrounds — are the least likely to get it.

The costs of youth sports leagues have become increasingly prohibitive, and Filipovic points out that the fees have grown even faster than tuition at private schools. These costs can be so high that even families with good incomes may have difficulty affording them. Furthermore, the demands of these leagues — such as travel and weekly practices — can be a strain on any family, regardless of income.

Ultimately, Filipovic argues that the current system of youth sports leagues creates a class divide and makes it harder for those who are already disadvantaged to access opportunities. She calls for greater access to quality sports leagues for all, including those from low-income families. This can be accomplished by providing more financial assistance for those who need it, and by creating leagues that are more accessible to those who may not be able to commit to the same level as wealthy families.

Filipovic’s essay makes a strong case for greater access and opportunity in youth sports leagues. It’s clear that the current system can create a class divide that leaves those who are already disadvantaged at a further disadvantage. With the right changes, these leagues can become more equitable and accessible to all.

[Margaret Muthoni]

Jill filipovic responds to argument that the response to access and opportunity in youth sport league She introduces "they say" arguments when she says that kids from wealthier families can join costly club travel teams, but because of a lack of funding in poorer communities, there are fewer options for low-cost recreational leagues and school-sponsored sports.