Golf and Tennis See Steep Growth in Youth Sports Participation
Youth participation in flag football also keeps growing.
New data from the Aspen Institute shows a surge in youth sports participation across the U.S., with golf and tennis leading the charge. Between 2019 and 2025, tennis saw a 72% increase in engagement among children ages 6-12, and a 46% rise among teens 13-17, according to the report. Tennis participation has been on an upward trend for the past seven years, even with the rise of pickleball.
Golf also experienced a significant surge, with youth participation increasing by 55% for ages 6-12 and 73% for ages 13-17 over the same period. This growth was primarily driven by efforts to make the sport more accessible and appealing, such as shorter rounds and night golf options. Despite the pandemic's initial boost, golf's popularity has persisted, with more young people not only trying the sport but continuing to play regularly.
Other youth sports like flag football and tackle football saw declines during this period. While tennis and golf have seen remarkable growth, other sports like baseball, ice hockey, and track and field experienced declines. The Aspen Institute's report highlights the importance of addressing affordability issues in youth sports, as many families are finding it challenging to afford participation costs.
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