THE STRUCTURAL BARRIERS AND BENEFITS OF URBAN YOUTH PARTICIPATING IN SPORTS

Sports play an integral role in the development of our youth. Its overall affects are greatly beneficial in that it builds character, teaches discipline, develops responsibility, and promotes a healthy lifestyle by staying active. Sports also allows youth of all ages to stay connected through a familial bond. Although there are many existing youth programs, there is a lack of affordable youth sports programs in urban communities. Without these programs, the youth in these areas experience more obesity, lower academic success, and are less adjusted socially as their suburban counterparts. Through qualitative research methods conducted using a focus group of experienced Los Angeles County Children’s Social Workers (CSW), this study seeks to examine the reasons for this disparity and the effects on its youth. The insight provided by the CSW’s will not only spotlight the structural barriers concerning more youth programs in urban communities, but the benefits to their participation as well