Families being forced to choose between food on the table and sports for their children is no new phenomenon. One of the core enjoyments of childhood has simply become unaffordable and the harm of this matter has begun showing.
After starting a children’s hockey team in Switzerland, I took notice of how fulfilling and helpful the team has been for the children. “Les Renards” – The Foxes – developed into more than just a sports team. I was extremely lucky and delighted to witness each kid grow into themselves and eventually into a group of physically and mentally strong young people.
It was no surprise the children of Les Renards showed such incredible development – It is well known that participation in sports promotes overall well-being; leading to improved academic performance, social skills, and leadership abilities – However, for many families, local youth sports teams are a luxury. Sports in affluent schools are funded generously while underprivileged schools are easily forgotten about. This continuous inequitable funding worsens the already existing disparity in opportunities for youth sports participation.
Numbers speak for themselves
Studies have shown that children from lower-income backgrounds are less likely to take part in sports due to the high expenses needed to participate in the activity. From membership fees and travelling to tournaments, to investing in uniforms and equipment, sports has become a financial burden for many families.
The Deprivation and Health of Children (SILC 2021) report – released in November 2023 – shows that 5.5% of children in Switzerland had to forgo paid leisure activities in 2021 due to financial constraints. Over the past four years, participation in sports among children aged six to 12 has only increased slightly, whereas children aged 13 to 17 decreased from 38% to 27%.
But the struggle only begins there. Testimonies from families with financial struggles show that they spend most of the day working, leaving their children to their own devices. If they are lucky enough, the sports practice is within walking distance. Mostly, that is not the case, and parents can not afford to leave work early. Unsafe, unreliable, or unavailable; transportation is found to be just as big of an obstacle as the financial costs.
Benefit of sports
Participation in sports opens many opportunities in life. Children involved in sports teams learn to respect one another, work together and are happier to take a leadership role if and when necessary. Children build interpersonal and intrapersonal skills, from socialisation and collaboration with people of all religions, cultures and backgrounds to achieving better academic results, and social inclusion.
They experience the triumph of winning while becoming familiar with the sharp disappointment of losing. Winning and losing allows these children to understand the importance of practice and hard work when aiming for success. Sports instil the habit of discipline and self-improvement, encouraging children to develop the confidence needed to conquer any future challenges they may face in life.
Depriving children of participation in youth sports can have a lifelong impact on their development- especially for naturally athletic kids where early involvement in sports is crucial for high school leagues and university-offered scholarships.
Making sports more inclusive and accessible
Although I took action, governments should not depend on the individual when helping the community. It is crucial to educate the government on the importance of youth sports teams and push the idea of better, equitable funding. The government should establish more physical activity opportunities that are either free of cost or that require a nominal fee.
Local authorities can help community centres and charities by educating them on how best-practice tips for organising fund-raising events, or indeed themselves creating a fun, light environment that brings the community together by helping one another.
With help from the government, local sports organisations, community centres, and schools can help lower-income families by providing the children with equipment, coaching, and uniforms. The possibility of applying for funding without unnecessary bureaucracy can and should be offered to those with financial struggles. Sports clubs can appeal to corporate sponsorship to pay for uniforms, equipment and transportation.
Significant reduction in cost
All these solutions can significantly lower the cost of participating in sports, making the activity more inclusive and accessible.
Much of my own knowledge and skills stem from my early experience in sports teams – especially my sense of leadership and cooperation in a dynamic setting. I not only find them to be some of the most enjoyable years of my youth but also the most enriching. The children, who we are fortunate to have as part of the “Les Renards” family, have built life-long friendships and personal relationships with people from all backgrounds, enhancing their self-esteem and sense of community.
Sports teams serve as safe havens for children, a place where they come together, and receive mentorship, guidance, and a sense of community – they are, in my opinion, fundamental elements for every child to lead a boundless, healthy life.
Marc-Andre Pepin 