Press Releases

Today, Congressman Bill Huizenga (R-MI) and Congressman Marc Veasey (D-TX) announced the introduction of the bipartisan and bicameral Youth Sports Facilities Act. This bipartisan bill amends Title II of the Public Works and Economic Development Act to add Youth Sports Facilities to the list of eligible uses of Economic Development Assistance grants. This will help build and improve youth sports facilities across the nation, increase tourism, and strengthen small business.

After introducing this bipartisan legislation, Congressmen Huizenga and Veasey released the following statements:

“The Youth Sports Facilities Act is a bipartisan solution designed to bring communities together, create economic opportunity, and improve the physical and mental well-being of students across the nation,” said Congressman Bill Huizenga. “For too long, an area code has determined whether students could have access to facilities or resources necessary to participate and compete. I am proud to champion the Youth Sports Facilities Act because it opens the doors for communities across Michigan and around the country to create new opportunities for children to develop critical skills, enhance local tourism, and foster small business growth.”

“Youth development is about more than academics—it’s about access to safe spaces where kids can play, grow, and thrive,” said Congressman Marc Veasey, Co-chair of the Youth Sports Caucus. “This bill empowers states like Texas to invest in the sports and recreation facilities our communities need. By unlocking EDA funding, the Youth Sports Facilities Act gives underserved areas the tools to build healthier futures and stronger local economies. I’m proud to work with my colleagues to make this long-overdue investment in our kids and neighborhoods.”

The companion bill has been introduced in the U.S. Senate by Senators Jon Ossoff (D-GA) and Todd Young (R-IN).

“Georgia families deserve modern and safe sports facilities where their kids can play, grow, and thrive,” said Sen. Ossoff. “This bipartisan bill will help Georgia communities expand youth sports facilities, strengthen local economies, and foster mental and physical health for the next generation.”

“Youth sports play a vital role in promoting healthy lifestyles from an early age while teaching essential life skills like teamwork and discipline. This bill would empower communities to use existing grant resources to improve youth sports facilities for children living in areas of need, encouraging greater youth sports participation across the nation,” said Sen. Young.

This legislation is also endorsed by several national and local stakeholders.

“As the leading nonprofit provider of youth sports programs, YMCA of the USA supports the Youth Sports Facilities Act. Youth sports facilities often lead to growth in local economies as families attend sporting events, support local business, hotels and restaurants. Youth sports programs create a space for families and the community to belong, improve health outcomes and strengthen the fabric of the economy and the community.” Jeffrey Britt, Chief Government Affairs Officer, YMCA of the USA

"The Youth Sports Facilities Act will provide a new federal funding opportunity through the Economic Development Administration for municipalities like Portage to develop safe, accessible recreation facilities for the next generation to help strengthen and connect our community," said Mayor Patricia Randall, City of Portage, Michigan. "I applaud the bipartisan leadership in Congress for reintroducing this important legislation prioritizing children's health while spurring economic investments within communities."

“Because we see firsthand the role sports can play in shaping young people and growing communities, Pop Warner fully supports the re-introduction of the Youth Sports Facilities Act. By expanding the Economic Development Assistance grant program to include investments in youth sports facilities, this bill will ensure every community has the resources it needs to create safe and accessible sports environments. We urge you to pass this bill, investing in our children’s futures and in the well-being of our communities.” Steve Strawbridge, President & CEO, Pop Warner Little Scholars

"The West Michigan Sports Commission was founded in 2007 as an economic generator to spur visitor spending for the region. One of its key tenets is generating overnight stays from event visitors, which drives spending in area hotels, restaurants, and support of other businesses, sustaining and creating jobs.  However, sports tourism and investment in sport facilities goes beyond these metrics. Investment in sport infrastructure provides a launching pad for health and wellness, vibrancy, and community activity and access to sport." Mike Guswiler, President, West Michigan Sports Commission

“The access barrier to sports participation keeps America’s youth off the playing field and denies them the opportunity to realize the mental & physical health benefits and develop the social skills so important to a child’s development.  SFIA fully endorses the Youth Sports Facilities Act to give communities the resources needed for investments in youth sports facilities to lower the access barrier to participation.” Todd Smith, President & CEO, Sports & Fitness Industry Association 

Background:

The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted how physical activity in communities plays a significant role in mental and physical health, especially among children. However, children who could not participate in these activities due to a lack of access to sports facilities had worse outcomes.

For example, studies show that children playing sports can reduce anxiety and depression, ultimately saving the health system billions. Moreover, participation in youth sports could reduce cases of weight-related diseases such as type 2 diabetes, coronary heart disease, stroke, and cancers in children.

The Economic Development Administration was created to assist state and local stakeholders with developing the conditions and amenities to grow businesses, create jobs, and expand investment in economically distressed areas. Allowing communities to access federal grants to build youth sports facilities will lead to better health outcomes for future generations of children. Not only do youth sports encourage athletic growth and teamwork, but they also create significant economic impact by attracting events and visitors to the community.

The Youth Sports Facility Act is supported by the Sports & Fitness Industry Association, the YMCA, the National Federation of High Schools, the American College of Sports Medicine, U.S. Soccer, the NHL, the PWHL, USA Hockey, Pop Warner Little Scholars, the Michigan Sports Commission, and the National Recreation and Parks Association.