With a greater value than the NBA, NFL, or any other professional world league, the American youth sports industry is a juggernaut. And while physical activity benefits a child’s body and brain, now it’s synonymous with big business. But what role do parents play in this burgeoning industry?
- Sector
- Locations North AmericaUnited States
Tom Farrey is executive director Aspen Institute’s sports and society programme, which he founded in 2011. He was previously a journalist at ESPN and The Seattle Times. He is the author of the 2008 book Game On: The All-American Race to Make Champions of Our Children.
Dr Veliz is an assistant research professor at the University of Michigan’s School of Nursing’s Applied Biostatistics Laboratory and associate director of the Sport, Health, and Activity Research and Policy Center.
Bob Bigelow is a former NBA player who played for the Kansas City Kings, Boston Celtics and San Diego Clippers, and a speaker and educator on youth sport. He is the author of several books, including Youth Sports: Still Failing Our Kids – How to Really Fix It.
Dr Nicole Zarrett is associate professor of psychology at the University of South Carolina. She is also principle investigator of Connect Through PLAY and co-principal investigator of Enduring Character Virtues and Organized Activities. Her work specialises in understanding positive adolescent development in relation to interactions between youth and their environments.
