As a team, we have surveyed 54 Hartford families at varying locations throughout the city. Using these surveys, we have gathered data from 65 children in Hartford. This data has allowed our team to understand the current state of youth sports programming in Hartford as well as analyze our research questions:

 

1. At what rates do children in Hartford play sports?

2. What are potential barriers which prevent children from participating in youth sports?

3. Do parents of children who do not participate in a youth sports program wish that they would participate?

4. What sports are children in Hartford playing?

5. Do children participate in youth sports at the same rate by gender?

6. Do Hartford children participate in sports at the same rates by neighborhood and zip code?

7. Why does your child participate in sports?

8. How did you hear about your child’s Sports Program?

9. Do families of varying income levels enroll their children in youth sports programs at the same rate?

10. Do parents with varying levels of education enroll their children in youth sports programs at the same rate?

 

Current State of Youth Sports in Hartford

1) Are children in Hartford between the ages of 5-14 playing sports?

> A high percentage of children in Hartford do not participate in a sports program.

According to the latest Census, about 25,000 (20%) of Hartford consists of children under the age of 15.

2) What are potential barriers which prevent children from participating in youth sports?

>Barriers of access vary widely, with Lack of Transportation being the most common response

3) Do parents of children who do not participate in a youth sports program wish that they would participate?

>Parents of children who are not currently playing sports want their children to participate.

4) What sports are children in Hartford playing?

>Basketball and Soccer are the most popular sports amongst children in Hartford

5) Are children participating in youth sports at the same rate by gender?

>There are more Boys than Girls participating in Hartford sports programs.

6) Do Hartford children participate in sports at the same rates by neighborhood and zip code?

>Children from Asylum Hill/ West End and the 06105 Zip Code participate at significantly lower rates than children in other areas.

7) Why does your child participate in sports?

> Children participate in sports for their own enjoyment and for friends.

8) How did you hear about your child’s Sports Program? 

> Families are most likely to hear about Sports Programs from School.

As our data shows, 72% of parents heard about the sports program they have enrolled their child in through their school. Organizations should utilize partnerships with schools as well as social media to increase participation rates.

9) Do families of varying income levels enroll their children in youth sports programs at the same rate?

>Children from poor families are less likely to be enrolled in a youth sports program

 

Approximately 42% of households in Hartford earn an annual income below $25,000.

10) Do parents with varying levels of education enroll their children in youth sports programs at the same rate?

>Children from families with lower levels of completed education are less likely to be enrolled in a youth sports program.

Approximately 83% of Hartford residents aged 25 or older are not college graduates.