AELP

Tell your story

Tell us how the business of youth sports is affecting your family, your club, or your athletes.

Youth sports used to be a neighborhood thing — rec leagues, volunteer coaches, reused uniforms, a season that cost very little. Today, families report spending thousands of dollars a year, traveling for tournaments and competitions, and paying just to watch their own kids play. For some, the cost means debt or a second job. For others, it means a child has to sit out a season — or never gets to start at all. A growing share of leagues, clubs, competitions, tournaments, ice rinks, scouting services, and team apps are now owned by private-equity-backed companies.

We're gathering firsthand stories — from parents, athletes, coaches, independent club owners, and officials — to inform oversight, legislation, enforcement, and public reporting on consolidation and rising costs in youth sports. Submissions are reviewed before any public display, and you control how your story is shared.

Step 1 of 5 About you

About you

A few questions about the athlete and program first. If you are unsure about costs or ownership, choose the not-sure option. Your story comes next.

Which best describes you?
Which sport is this mostly about? *

If your family plays several, pick the one this story is about. You can share another story afterward.

Club, team, league, or facility name (optional)
Roughly what does or did this sport cost your family per year, all in? *
Race or ethnicity of the young athlete this submission is about (optional)

This helps us see whether costs and closures fall harder on some communities. Select all that apply, or choose “Prefer not to say”.