Parents Continue To Believe Investing In Youth Sports Will Pay Dividends, New Study Shows

Forbes

12-05-2025

Despite an unsteady economy, nearly nine in 10 American parents say they are making room in the budget for extracurricular activities (88%), including sports. Nine in 10 parents say playing sports helps children build character (92%) and teaches them important life skills (90%), according to new research from The Harris Poll and First Tee.
First Tee
The global consulting and market research firm teamed up with the nonprofit youth development organization to explore the value parents place on youth sports, with a particular focus on the long-term impact of coaches. The Harris Poll surveyed 2,042 U.S. adults in March 2025 and analyzed the data by gender, age, race, education and income, among other characteristics.
While few young athletes ultimately turn professional, parents believe youth sports can have lifelong benefits off the field. Nearly nine in 10 parents strongly recommend youth sports to other parents, believing that coaches can impact a child's ability to work well with others (89%), respect others (89%) and be resilient in the face of challenges (88%).
First Tee
"According to this new research, parents with adult children say the confidence their child built through sports continues to shape their success today, a data point that reinforces First Tee's mission of teaching not only golf skills but also life skills and values that equip kids to face new challenges,' said First Tee CEO Greg McLaughlin. 'While we have heard success stories from countless First Tee alumni, we are grateful to Harris Poll for helping us quantify the incredible impact of extracurricular activities.'
First Tee
Generations of Americans have been shaped by youth sports, with nearly 70% of parents who grew up with coaches saying they wouldn't be where they are today without those influential adults in their life (67%). First Tee knows its coaches are the key to its success, which is why it's celebrating them during First Tee Week, May 19-25. The new brand awareness campaign will mark the launch of a PSA titled 'Dear Coach' and feature a panel discussion on the impact of coaches at the PGA TOUR's Charles Schwab Challenge.
Other key findings from the survey include:
First Tee
'Even amid economic uncertainty, parents see youth sports as a non-negotiable investment in their child's future,' said Abbey Lunney, Managing Director of the Trends and Thought Leadership Practice at The Harris Poll. 'Nearly 9 in 10 say the experience helped prepare their children for the future. Our data shows they're not just hoping for athletic success—they're prioritizing confidence, resilience, and lifelong skills shaped by meaningful coaching.'
This is the third annual research collaboration between The Harris Poll and First Tee.
For the results of the 2024 parent survey, click here.