Sketchplay Insights.The business of the game,
for the people who run it.
Youth sports policy, pricing, tournaments and operations, written for directors and organizers. Every claim is sourced.
Girls Want to Play but Can't Get In: What the 2026 WSF Sport Report Means for Programs
The Women's Sports Foundation's first annual Sport Report finds girls trail boys in organized sports from age 8, even though girls who have never played want to as much as boys do. Household income splits girls more than gender does.
U.S. Soccer Is Absorbing US Youth Soccer: What Clubs and Tournament Directors Should Watch
US Youth Soccer's state associations voted on August 29 to make U.S. Soccer their sole voting member, starting a two-year integration. The registration, fee and competition details are not written yet, which makes this the year to watch closely.
One Billion Minutes: What Little League Softball's TV Moment Means for Girls' Signups
Little League says fans watched one billion minutes of its 2026 Softball World Series, up 48% on a year ago, and that its Tee Ball Softball division grew 9%. High school softball numbers dipped in the same period, which is why the local entry point matters.
The Let Kids Play Act, Explained for Youth Tournament Operators
The Let Kids Play Act would take on private equity in youth sports, stay-to-play hotel rules and junk fees. It is unlikely to pass soon. The questions it asks about price are already coming from parents.
Stay-to-Play in Youth Tournaments: How It Works, Who Profits and the 2026 Lawsuit
Many youth tournaments require teams to book their hotel through the event. Organizers say it protects rates and logistics. Parents say it can cost more. A federal class action filed in September 2026 puts it in front of a judge.
Youth Sports Participation Statistics: What the Latest Data Says
A plain-English read of the newest numbers from the Aspen Institute's Project Play and the Sports & Fitness Industry Association: who plays, what it costs and where the gaps are.
Youth Flag Football Is Booming: The Numbers Behind the Growth
Among the team sports SFIA tracks, flag football was the only one to grow in regular participation among kids 6 to 17 from 2019 to 2024. Here is the evidence, and what it means for people who run events.
After the World Cup: Will Youth Soccer Registrations Actually Grow?
A new industry report sizes the opportunity, and one Tucson club shows what the growth looks like. The harder question is how many of those kids stay.
The Youth Sports Referee Shortage: What the Latest Data Shows
High school official registrations have climbed back above pre-pandemic levels in most reporting states. The behavior that drives officials away has not improved, and the workforce is aging.