Sports Access and Mental Health

The start of a new academic year has sparked my reflection on who I was in high school, and how my life would look without one key opportunity – access to sports.

In high school, I was an avid, competitive athlete who spent hours at open gyms, club tournaments, and private strength training. Looking back, I realize that not only did I love my sports, but athletics served as a coping mechanism during a challenging time in my life. My father was sick, and the stress in my home contributed to the development of anxiety, depression, and panic attacks. Having a community to lean on, supportive relationships with peers and coaches, and physical outlets for exercise was instrumental in my ability to remain resilient.

Access to athletics and extracurriculars was a lifesaver. Thankfully, my family was fortunate and able to afford all that comes with sports participation: reliable transportation, money for gas and gear, and the time to invest. Unfortunately, access to sports is not always guaranteed for every home.

Access to resources, such as medical care, stable housing, and school programs like athletics, is a proven protective factor against poor mental health outcomes. Yet, access is more than these resources simply existing. A hospital may be within miles of your home, but the high cost of healthcare can make medical services feel out of reach. A public school may have numerous extracurricular activities available, but an unaffordable participation fee can prevent children from taking part. In these examples, the resources exist, but the access does not.

A local news story reinforced the fact that these resources are getting increasingly less accessible by reporting on a Central Texas school district that is implementing a “pay-to-play” fee for students participating in sports this year. The fee varies based on factors such as grade level, number of sports, and socio-economic status. For example, a high school student playing basketball and volleyball must pay $175 for the first sport and $90 for the second sport, a total of $265. A middle schooler wanting to participate in the same two sports must pay $150 to play.

A sliding scale payment system is available for students who are eligible for free or reduced lunch, with discounts reducing the price by 50% or 90%. To qualify, however, a family of four would need to make less than $61,050 a year.

The school district is facing major financial challenges, resulting from a budget that is “at a critically low level because of the combination of record inflation and no increases in the basic student funding allotment from the state between 2019 and 2025.” Conversations with folks in my community have revealed these budget cuts are not impacting athletics alone, but also personnel including librarians and social workers. These first cuts impact activities that protect against anxiety, depression, and isolation, like school extracurriculars, social service support, and the arts. As a result, the mental health, well-being, and climate of a campus is at risk of decline.

The students will be most impacted while having the least control over these decisions. A teenager does not choose her family’s income, does not contribute to district budget decisions, and may not independently earn up to a $265 fee to be on a couple of teams. My volleyball and basketball teammates were my friends and support system. They taught me how to be a good teammate, how to win and lose, and how to keep going during hardship. There will be students and families that cannot afford these opportunities, and the benefits they provide will become a luxury that only those with privilege may access.

Access to Sports as Prevention and Early Intervention

Participation in sports gave me a place to put stress that had nowhere else to go. Moreover, it provided me with people who noticed when I needed help. Sports are a useful prevention and early intervention opportunity for students needing a community, support, and/or access to physical activity. Unfortunately, school districts are struggling to afford programs they historically implement, and budget adjustments are vital in ensuring the schools can stay up and running. Charging a participation fee, however, will naturally reduce students’ access to prevention and early intervention spaces that could support their mental health and well-being. Looking forward, my hope is that all children are welcome to participate rather than excluded because they cannot afford to play.

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