Parents Have High Hopes for Young Athletes
A recent study shows that one in six parents of children involved in sports believe they’re nurturing the next professional athlete.
The research surveyed 4,150 individuals, including athletes, parents, and youth coaches, to gauge current perceptions of youth sports.
A significant 72% of participants view today’s youth sports as more professional than fun, with a notable 85% of coaches feeling the pressure of increased competition.
Interestingly, two-thirds of parents (68%) think their kids excel in sports, and 17% express that they believe their children are destined for stardom.
Conducted by Talker Research for BSN SPORTS, the survey revealed that 92% of respondents, mainly coaches (96%) and athletes (94%), encourage young people to stay active in sports.
On average, an athlete spends about nine hours a week on sports activities. Parents noted that attending games and practices pretty much dominates their children’s schedules—around 72% of their total time or about eight hours weekly.
Additionally, over a quarter of parents (27%) said their children often need them during these activities.
Participation in sports doesn’t just consume time; it also requires financial investment. Annually, an average athlete will need new gear about three times, costing together around $313, while 11% spend over $500 each year.
For 64% of those surveyed, uniforms and equipment symbolize pride and progress, making the financial and emotional costs worthwhile.
Moreover, 90% of respondents see the time and money spent on sports as an investment in the future of young athletes. Coaches and parents particularly resonate with this belief.
Brian Fleming from BSN SPORTS commented, “The gear athletes wear isn’t just for performance; it shapes their identity and pride. Our study shows that the majority believe this investment is meaningful for an athlete’s future, reflecting a commitment to the sport and the values it instills.”
Concerning the personal benefits of sports, parents think it builds confidence (58%), and athletes claim it positively influences mental health (58%). Coaches appreciate how it fosters sportsmanship and teamwork (51%).
Looking at the growing popularity of sports in general, basketball (44%), soccer (40%), football (35%), baseball (25%), and volleyball (22%) are seeing significant interest.
For female athletes, basketball leads the way (42%), with soccer (39%), volleyball (37%), and softball (31%) also gaining traction.
Regarding aspirations for the future, both parents and coaches want to boost confidence and motivation in young athletes. However, athletes are especially keen on improving their fitness (39%) and mental wellness (37%).
But there is a flip side—many athletes and their parents experience burnout about twice a year due to the stress and physical demands. Coaches might notice this even more, reporting an average burnout rate of three times a year for each player.
Success for many is seen through a variety of lenses: personal goals and love for the game (35%), social media influence (31%), and expectations from families (31%).
According to survey responses, the future of club sports should place importance on character and leadership development (42%), along with mental health and balance (36%), as well as affordability (34%).
Support plays an integral role in preventing burnout, with nearly half (48%) of respondents believing that spectator behavior at games is generally positive.
“As youth sports become more consuming, it’s crucial for families, coaches, and clubs to collaborate in supporting athletes, from motivation to basic needs like gear,” Fleming remarked. “This study illustrates how vital collective support is in fostering not just athletic skills but character development as well.”
Research method:
This survey by Talker Research involved 2,000 parents of youth athletes, 2,000 athletes, and 150 club sports owners, conducted online from October 14 to October 27, 2025. You can find the survey link here.
