How Kids’ Sports Became a $15 Billion Industry

J oey Erace knocks pitch after pitch into the netting of his $15,000 backyard batting cage, the pings from his metal bat filling the air in the south New Jersey cul-de-sac. His private hitting coach, who’s charging $100 for this hour-long session, tells Joey to shorten his stride. He’s accustomed to such focused instruction: the evening batting practice followed a one-on-one fielding lesson in Philadelphia earlier in the day, which cost another $100.

Relentless training is essential for a top player who suits up for nationally ranked teams based in Texas and California, thousands of miles from home. But Joey has talents that scouts covet, including lightning quickness with a rare knack for making slight adjustments at the plate–lowering a shoulder angle, turning a hip–to drive the ball. “He has a real swagger,” says Joey’s hitting coach, Dan Hennigan, a former minor leaguer. “As long as he keeps putting in this work, he’s going to be a really, really solid baseball player at a really, really high level.”

Already, Joey has a neon-ready nickname–Joey Baseball–and more than 24,000 followers on Instagram. Jewelry and apparel companies have asked him to hawk their stuff. On a rare family vacation in Florida, a boy approached Joey in a restaurant and asked for his autograph. But Joey Baseball has yet to learn cursive. He is, after all, only 10 years old. They snapped a picture instead.

Joey Erace is an extreme example of what has become a new reality for America’s aspiring young athletes and their families. Across the nation, kids of all skill levels, in virtually every team sport, are getting swept up by a youth-sports economy that increasingly resembles the pros at increasingly early ages. Neighborhood Little Leagues, town soccer associations and church basketball squads that bonded kids in a community–and didn’t cost as much as a rent check–have largely lost their luster. Little League participation, for example, is down 20% from its turn-of-the-century peak. These local leagues have been nudged aside by private club teams, a loosely governed constellation that includes everything from development academies affiliated with professional sports franchises to regional squads run by moonlighting coaches with little experience. The most competitive teams vie for talent and travel to national tournaments. Others are elite in name only, siphoning expensive participation fees from parents of kids with little hope of making the high school varsity, let alone the pros.

The cost for parents is steep. At the high end, families can spend more than 10% of their income on registration fees, travel, camps and equipment. Joe Erace, who owns a salon and spas in New Jersey and Pennsylvania, says Joey’s budding baseball career has cost north of $30,000. A volleyball dad from upstate New York spent $20,000 one year on his daughter’s club team, including plenty on gas: up to four nights a week she commuted 2½ hours round-trip for practice, not getting home until 11:30 p.m. That pales beside one Springfield, Mo., mom, who this summer regularly made a seven-hour round-trip journey to ferry her 10- and 11-year-old sons to travel basketball practice. Others hand their children over entirely. A family from Ottawa sent their 13-year-old to New Jersey for a year, to increase his ice time on the travel hockey circuit. A sponsor paid the teen’s $25,000 private-school tuition. This summer, 10 boys from across the U.S. stayed with host families in order to play for a St. Louis–based travel baseball club.

“It’s definitely taken over everything,” says Magali Sanchez, a legal records clerk from San Diego whose daughter Melanie Barcenas, 9, and son Xzavier Barcenas, 8, play travel soccer. To help pay for their fees, Sanchez’s husband Carlos, a gas-station attendant, will spend 12 hours on a Saturday carting supplies at tournaments. Practice and tournaments overtake nights and weekends like kudzu–Sanchez says they often have to skip family weddings and kids’ birthday parties. “This sports lifestyle is crazy,” she says. “But they’re your kids. You do anything for them.”

A range of private businesses are mining this deep, do-anything parental love. The U.S. youth-sports economy–which includes everything from travel to private coaching to apps that organize leagues and livestream games–is now a $15.3 billion market, according to WinterGreen Research, a private firm that tracks the industry. And the pot is rapidly getting bigger. According to figures that WinterGreen provided exclusively to TIME, the nation’s youth-sports industry has grown by 55% since 2010.

The numbers have been catnip for investors. A top NBA star and the billionaire owner of the NFL’s most valuable team own equity in youth-sports startups. Major media and retail companies are investing in technology that manages peewee schedules. And municipalities that once vied for minor-league teams are now banking on youth sports to boost local economies, issuing bonds for lavish complexes that they hope will lure glove-toting tykes and their families.

There are upsides to the frenzy. Some kids thrive off intense competition, and the best players receive an unprecedented level of coaching and training. The travel circuit can also bring people of different backgrounds together in a way that local leagues by definition do not.

But as community-based teams give way to a more mercenary approach, it’s worth asking what’s lost in the process. Already, there are worrying signs. A growing body of research shows that intense early specialization in a single sport increases the risk of injury, burnout and depression. Fees and travel costs are pricing out lower-income families. Some kids who don’t show talent at a young age are discouraged from ever participating in organized sports. Those who do often chase scholarships they have a minuscule chance of earning.

“For better or worse, youth sports is being privatized,” says Jordan Fliegel, an entrepreneur who has capitalized on the shift. Whatever the answer is, the transition has been seismic, with implications for small towns, big businesses and millions of families.

Joey Erace, 10, at home in Mullica Hill, New Jersey on Aug. 8, 2017.

The United States Specialty Sports Association, or USSSA, is a nonprofit with 501(c)(4) status, a designation for organizations that promote social welfare. According to its most recent available IRS filings, it generated $13.7 million in revenue in 2015, and the CEO received $831,200 in compensation. The group holds tournaments across the nation, and it ranks youth teams in basketball, baseball and softball. The softball rankings begin with teams age 6 and under. Baseball starts at age 4.

Entering June, Joey Erace’s Dallas-area team, the Texas Bombers, was third in the USSSA’s 10-and-under baseball power ranking. The Alamo (Texas) Drillers were No. 1. This summer, Luke Martinez, 10, played second base for the Drillers. His family lives in a well-appointed mobile home in south San Antonio. Luke’s mom Nalone cooks for a food truck. Luke’s dad Jerry is a logistics coordinator at a printer and copier company. He works overtime whenever possible to save for Luke’s frequent overnight trips across Texas and to Louisiana, North Carolina and Florida. The family has skipped car payments and put off home repairs to help.

Like millions of sports parents, the Martinezes hope that Luke’s quick bat will lead to a college scholarship. There may be no single factor driving the professionalization of youth sports more than the dream of free college. With the cost of higher education skyrocketing–and athletic-department budgets swelling–NCAA schools now hand out $3 billion in scholarships a year. “That’s a lot of chum to throw into youth sports,” says Tom Farrey, executive director of the Aspen Institute’s Sports & Society program. “It makes the fish a little bit crazy.”

The odds are not in anyone’s favor. Only 2% of high school athletes go on to play at the top level of college sports, the NCAA’s Division I. For most, a savings account makes more sense than private coaching. “I’ve seen parents spend a couple of hundred thousand dollars pursuing a college scholarship,” says Travis Dorsch, founding director of the Families in Sport Lab at Utah State University. “They could have set it aside for the damn college.”

Still, the scholarship chase trickles down to every level. College coaches are now courting middle-schoolers, and competitive high school teams scout the club ranks. In some places, travel teams have supplanted high school squads as the priority for top players. Kids learn early that it’s imperative to attend travel tournaments–and impress. Katherine Sinclair, 12, has played basketball games in Philadelphia and New York City on the same day, but she embraces the grind. “I don’t have that long until I’m in eighth grade,” she says. “That’s when college scouts start looking at me. It’s when I have to work my butt off.”

The Internet has emerged as a key middleman, equal parts sorting mechanism and hype machine. For virtually every sport, there is a site offering scouting reports and rankings. Want to know the top 15-and-under girls’ volleyball teams? PrepVolleyball.com has you covered (for a subscription starting at $37.95 per year). The basketball site middleschoolelite.com evaluates kids as young as 7 with no regard for hyperbole: a second-grader from Georgia is “a man among boys with his mind-set and skill set”; a third-grader from Ohio is “pro-bound.”

Social-media-savvy parents now build Twitter and Instagram feeds around their young athletes. One such account calls itself “a brand inspired by my 11 yr old son’s unique style and attitude on and off the Baseball Field.”

Children sense that the stakes are rising. In a 2016 study published in the journal Family Relations, Dorsch and his colleagues found that the more money families pour into youth sports, the more pressure their kids feel–and the less they enjoy and feel committed to their sport.

Even well-meaning parents, meanwhile, can find themselves swept up. “You say to yourself, Am I keeping up?” says Rosemary Brewer, a nonprofit executive in Portland, Ore., who has mixed feelings about placing her two sons, 11 and 15, on travel lacrosse teams. “There’s pressure, especially if your kids have some talent. You feel it a little more. But we want the kids to have fun and be with their friends. We have to take a step back and keep asking ourselves, What’s the end goal?”

This parenting experience is new, given that the hypercharged kids’ sports scene didn’t exist on this scale just a few years ago. “When parents enter the youth-sports development complex, they’re naive,” says sports psychologist Jim Taylor. “They absorb the message they hear most: ‘You mean, your kid’s not playing on a travel team? She’s not playing all the time? What’s wrong?'” Taylor, who’s writing a book about youth-sports parenting, has two daughters, 12 and 10, who ski and swim. “It’s hard not to get sucked in,” he says. “Even for someone like myself, a quote-unquote expert on this stuff. Because I’m human. I’m a dad.”

King-Riley Owens, 9, who is ranked as a five-star prospect by the National Youth Basketball Report, lives in L.A. but has already played in tournaments in Utah, Texas and Nevada. His parents have used GoFundMe to help pay for the travel. If the NBA doesn’t work out, King-Riley wants to be a veterinarian. Here King-Rily is photographed at home on Aug. 2, 2017

There are few better places to take the measure of the youth-sports industrial complex than the Star, the gleaming, 91-acre, $1.5 billion new headquarters and practice facility of the Dallas Cowboys. Turn left upon entering the building and you’ll find the offices of Blue Star Sports, a firm that has raised more than $200 million since April 2016 to acquire 18 companies that do things like process payments for club teams, offer performance analytics for seventh-grade hoops games and provide digital social platforms for young athletes.

Blue Star’s investors include Bain Capital; 32 Equity, the investment arm of the NFL; and Cowboys owner Jerry Jones, who leases Blue Star space in his headquarters. The company’s goal is to dominate all aspects of the youth-sports market, and it uses an affiliation with the pros to help. Blue Star’s logo bears a not-coincidental resemblance to the one seen on national TV every Sunday, and the company’s conference room has a view of the Jones family boardroom. The connection is clear for kids and investors alike.

Other major companies have also entered the fray. The national retailer Dick’s Sporting Goods has acquired companies that specialize in online scheduling and score tracking for youth sports. Last year NBC bought Sport Ngin, a scheduling and social app that had raised $39 million in venture funding, and rechristened it SportsEngine. In August, SportsEngine launched a searchable directory of more than 100,000 youth-sports camps, teams and leagues. Time Inc., TIME’s parent company, launched Sports Illustrated Play after acquiring three youth-sports-software startups. SI Play’s apps now have 17 million monthly unique users. In the past 18 months, investors have plowed over $1 billion into the youth-sports market, according to SI Play CEO Jeff Karp.

The boom has given rise to countless entrepreneurial efforts, from new facilities to recruiting sites to private-coaching outfits. Even during the depths of the Great Recession, revenue for Travel Team USA, a company that books youth-sports travel, continued to double year over year. In 2012, entrepreneur Fliegel launched CoachUp, an app that connects young athletes with coaches. The NBA star Stephen Curry is an investor. “It doesn’t hurt to say Steph’s one of the bosses,” says Victor Hall, a New York City teacher and coach who calls the private hoops lessons he offers through the app a “thriving” side business.

Across the U.S., the rise in travel teams has led to the kind of facilities arms race once reserved for big colleges and the pros. Cities and towns are using tax money to build or incentivize play-and-stay mega-complexes, betting that the influx of visitors will lift the local economy.

That was the thinking in Westfield, Ind., which was hunting for ways to expand the commercial tax base of the small city some 20 miles north of downtown Indianapolis. “We wondered, Is it conceivable to create an industry around family travel sports?” says mayor Andy Cook. Concluding that it was, Westfield issued $70 million in bonds to build Grand Park Sports Campus, a 400-acre complex that opened in 2014 and includes 31 grass and synthetic fields for soccer, lacrosse and other field sports, 26 softball and baseball diamonds, and a 370,000-square-foot indoor facility. The city is hoping that tax revenue generated by new hotels, retail outlets and medical facilities near the park will eventually pay off the debt.

Westfield officials had considered attempting to draw a minor-league baseball team to the city. “That gives you some prestige,” says Cook. “But it’s not really our moneymaker. Our moneymaker is regional tournaments, under 16 years of age. Because they bring Mom, Dad, brother, sister, grandparents.”

The pioneer of this trend is the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex, which opened in 1997 on the grounds of Disney World in Orlando. The 220-acre venue allows Disney to collect revenue from tournament fees, hotel stays and theme-park tickets, while giving it another way to win the hearts–and future wallets–of its youngest customers. Business is thriving. Wide World of Sports hosted 385,285 athletes in 2016, up 28% since 2011.

Sometime this winter, the Sports KingDome, a facility with 347,000 sq. ft. of indoor space–enough to fit a dozen multisport fields, or six Little League baseball fields–is slated to open on the site of a former IBM campus in East Fishkill, N.Y., some 70 miles north of New York City. It will become one of the largest domes on the planet, and the owner plans to auction naming rights to the highest bidder. The $25 million, all-weather complex will allow families in the populous northeastern U.S. to play travel soccer, lacrosse and baseball 12 months a year, just like they do in the Sun Belt.

Melanie Barcenas, 9, practicing in her San Diego backyard, hopes to follow in the footsteps of the superstar Neymar. “He plays just like me,” she says. Melanie plays multiple soccer games most weekends. To save money, her family stays in a hotel only if a game is more than a four-hour drive from home. Here Melanie is photographed at home where her father Carlos made a practice field for her in their backyard, on Aug. 3, 2017.

Would that be so bad? Many families say they enjoy the travel-sports experience. Parents bond with one another. Kids make new friends. “We have friends and family tell us that it’s too much, too soon,” says Jerry Martinez, Luke’s father. “But this is his passion. I’m not going to stomp on it.”

There are mounting concerns, however, over the consequences of such intensity, particularly at young ages. The average number of sports played by children ages 6 to 17 has dipped for three straight years, according to the Sports & Fitness Industry Association. In a study published in the May issue of American Journal of Sports Medicine, University of Wisconsin researchers found that young athletes who participated in their primary sport for more than eight months in a year were more likely to report overuse injuries.

Intense specialization can also tax minds. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, “burnout, anxiety, depression and attrition are increased in early specializers.” The group says delaying specialization in most cases until late adolescence increases the likelihood of athletic success.

Devotion to a single sport may also be counterproductive to reaching that holy grail: the college scholarship. In a survey of 296 NCAA Division I male and female athletes, UCLA researchers discovered that 88% played an average of two to three sports as children.

Other consequences are more immediate. As expensive travel teams replace community leagues, more kids are getting shut out of organized sports. Some 41% of children from households earning $100,000 or more have participated in team sports, according to the Sports & Fitness Industry Association. In households with income of $25,000 or less, participation is 19%.

One weekend in early June, all eyes were on Joey Baseball. “Is that him?” a rival player asked his coach. Yes, indeed, it was Joey Erace of southern New Jersey in the flesh, warming up on a field in the town of Sulphur, La., where he had flown to play for the Texas Bombers at a regional tournament.

In addition to Joey, the Bombers imported two star players from California and a power hitter from Mexico, who smacked a moonshot home run in a preliminary-round game. Bombers coach Lale Esquivel, who won the College World Series at the University of Miami in 1999, makes no apologies for running his team like a professional outfit. “I can see talent at a young age,” Esquivel says. “My son is special. I want to surround him with the best kids from across the country. In return, playing on my team is going to help your son. Do we win? Of course we win. If I’m going to be investing all this time and money, we might as well win.”

Still, amid the plane rides, autograph requests and high-pressure tournaments, there are moments when things lurch into perspective. At one point during the weekend in Louisiana, Joe Erace tucked Joey’s pants in for him and paused. “Sometimes when I’m getting on him a bit,” he says, “my wife reminds me that Joey still thinks a big fat guy in a red suit delivers presents all around the world.”

–With reporting by ABIGAIL ABRAMS AND TARA JOHNSON/NEW YORK

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Data Shows Travel Teams Killing Youth Sports

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The increasing popularity in elite youth travel teams have youth sports facing a decline. Imagine your child wants to play baseball, do you place them in their local recreational league, with volunteer coaches, or on a travel team with trained coaches? Many parents are choosing the popular travel teams, with hopes of their child developing into a star player.

The decision to choose travel ball is causing not only a major decrease in youth sports leagues, but also a major divide. The cost of playing on travel teams have skyrocketed. “Sports in America have separated into sport-haves and have-nots,” said Tom Farrey (@TomFarrey), executive director of Aspen’s Sports & Society program. “All that matters is if kids come from a family that has resources. If you don’t have money, it’s hard to play.”

This divide is turning the middle and lower class families away from youth sports due to not having funds to support their child. The travel teams are turning into a true business. “The cost for parents is steep. At the high end, families can spend more than 10% of their income on registration fees, travel, camps and equipment.” According to WinterGreen Research the U.S. youth-sports industry is now a $15.3 billion market. This includes the travel teams, specialized private coaching, and the organizations that run the travel teams. 

Youth sports ages 7-17

Many media companies and businesses are now capitalizing on this industry. Companies are now streaming youth games, creating apps that can market young athletes and schedule their games. Dicks Sporting Goods and NBC have both recently bought companies that build online scheduling, track athletes, and promote them on social media.

Youth sports participation keeps dropping

On the other side there are still many companies who have seen how the travel team industry has effected youth sports. “Almost 45 percent of children ages 6 to 12 played a team sport regularly in 2008,” according to Aspen data. “Now only about 37 percent of children do.”

The biggest push to stop the decline of youth sports comes from Project Play 2020. This is coordinated by the Aspen Institute’s Project Play, and includes stakeholders such as MLB, the NBA, U.S. Olympic Committee, NBC Sports Group, and Nike. Their goal is to come together to “reverse trends driven largely by a shift away from volunteer and school-based community sports in favor of club-fueled travel sports.”

Project Play has two main goals for their first year: improve training for youth coaches and encourage children to continue playing multiple sports instead of specializing in one. Project Play is hoping that they will make an impact since they are the first coordinated effort in attempting to stop the decline of youth sports.

Jermaine Curtis, Minor League Baseball player, has also stepped up to battle the decline of youth sports. After reading an article explaining that “between 2009 to 2011, $3.5 billion was cut from schools' sports budgets, and an estimated 27 percent of U.S. public high schools will not have any sports by the year 2020 if the current trends continue,” he knew he had to do something. He does not know where he would be today without the game of baseball.

Curtis created “Pros Cave” a program that raises money and awareness to youth sports. He uses social media to interview fellow players and auction off memorabilia to raise money that is then donated to sportsmatter.org. Curtis has now added personal letters to youth athletes to his program and has launched www.ProsCave.com.

The decline of youth sports is a real issue in America, and it is caused by the popularity and growth of elite travel teams. This has caused a new divide in local sports. “There’s been this presumption that youth sports are exploding in this country and private clubs and trainers will pick up the slack,” Farrey said. “For kids with resources, they have. But families without resources are getting left behind.” The business side of travel sports continues to grow, but companies and athletes are coming together to save the youth sports that they love. It will be interesting to see where youth sports will be in 5 years. 

Macy Marin

Bogage, J. (2017, September 6). Youth sports study: Declining participation, rising costs and unqualified coaches. Retrieved from https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/recruiting-insider/wp/2017/09/06/youth-sports-study-declining-participation-rising-costs-and-unqualified-coaches/?utm_term=.834a0e53c112

Feltman, A. (2017, August 24). Jermaine Curtis and Pros Cave Want to Save Youth Sports. Retrieved from https://www.minorleagueball.com/2017/8/24/16195152/jermaine-curtis-pros-cave-want-to-save-youth-sports

Gregory, S. (2017, August 24). How Kids’ Sports Became a $15 Billion Industry. Retrieved from http://time.com/magazine/us/4913681/september-4th-2017-vol-190-no-9-u-s/

Golden , J. (2015, July 29). Youth sports: Kids' athletics are in danger. Retrieved from https://www.cnbc.com/2015/07/29/youth-sports-kids-athletics-are-in-danger.html

King, B. (2017, September 4). Sports stakeholders join forces in effort to stem decline in youth sports participation. Retrieved from http://www.sportsbusinessdaily.com/Journal/Issues/2017/09/04/Marketing-and-Sponsorship/Project-Play.aspx

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Why massive new youth sports facilities may not lead to the tourist boom many communities hope for when they build them

youth sports travel industry

Senior Lecturer in Tourism, School of Business, The University of Queensland

youth sports travel industry

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Richard Buning receives funding from Hamilton Country Tourism.

Cassandra Coble receives funding from Hamilton County Tourism.

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The Research Brief is a short take about interesting academic work.

The big idea

Parents who travel with their kids to compete in regional sports tournaments tend to be too focused on the competition to turn them into family vacations and spend like tourists, according to our recently published research . This is bad news to the many communities that spend millions of dollars on state-of-the-art sports facilities to host such tournaments in hopes of recouping the costs in increased economic activity.

For our study, we conducted in-depth interviews with 33 parents of children who play youth sports, whether it’s baseball, soccer or swimming. The parents lived in Florida and Indiana, and we found them by reaching out to local sports clubs and event venues. We asked them questions about how they planned for out-of-town sports competitions, the activities they engaged in while there and what drives those decisions.

Overall, we found that parents said they were just too busy with the sporting event and supporting their children to do anything else. In the interviews, the typical youth sports trip was described as within driving distance of home, one to two nights in duration and mostly spent at the athletic venue.

Since destinations are decided by team managers seeking relevant competitions for their athletes, they may not be places that lend themselves to family vacations. As a result, the economic impact to a local community seems to be limited to the event’s organizers, nearby hotels and local restaurants.

“It’s all about the competition, so it doesn’t really matter,” one parent said, referring to local non-sport activities.

Why it matters

The US$15 billion youth sports travel industry is largely premised on the idea that families turn tournament trips into extended vacations that result in a boost of economic activity. In other words, if you build it – a big sports complex – they will come – and spend lots of money.

This practice can turn into something of an arms race as neighboring communities build new stadiums and other facilities to attract a finite number of big tournaments.

[ Like what you’ve read? Want more? Sign up for The Conversation’s daily newsletter .]

Our findings suggest the assumption that these investments lead to a significant boost in economic activity – especially through local tourism – may be mistaken. And separately, tweets from young athletes’ parents seem to provide further support that attending away games and camps is not about tourism or fun.

What still isn’t known

While we have qualitative data that helps us better understand the decisions parents make when they take sport trips with their children, we don’t know how representative those 33 families are. And we don’t have quantitative data that definitively shows whether investments in these facilities pay off or not.

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Youth Sports Hubs Poised for Growth as Travel-Team Tourism Thrives

Today’s guest columnists are Brian Connolly (right), managing principal, and Zachary Ipson, senior analyst, of Victus Advisors.

Over the past 15 years, the youth and amateur “sports tourism ” industry has matured into a significant driver of capital project spending by cities, counties and visitors’ bureaus seeking to capture a segment of this robust market. Annual sports tourism spending in the U.S. by travelers, event organizers and venues reached more than $45 billion in 2019, a nearly 20% increase since 2015, according to the Sports Events and Tourism Association. And as a result, at Victus Advisors, where we specialize in market, financial and economic consulting for sports facility development, youth and amateur projects have grown into one of our largest business lines.

When the COVID-19 pandemic first took hold in the spring of 2020, one of our biggest professional concerns was that public agencies, which operate the majority of sports complexes across the country, were often projecting massive budget shortfalls due to pandemic-related lockdowns. Our fear was that if governments were dealing with lower revenues (including sales taxes and hotel/motel occupancy taxes), large capital projects, such as sports venues, could be among the first on the chopping block. We were further concerned that it would take years to recover from public sector shortfalls.

However, as the pandemic ebbs, we see a clearer picture of the future for the sports tourism industry, and it’s surprisingly strong. We have launched numerous new youth/amateur sports complex planning projects for public sector clients who indicated they now have budget surpluses because their initial pandemic-driven adjustments were too conservative. Additionally, new stimulus and infrastructure spending bills offer the potential for localities to put federal funds toward new projects, and many of our clients are particularly intrigued by the potential for new sports tourism facilities to help their local hotels, shops and restaurants recover from the negative impacts of COVID.

Financial projections we’ve done for clients have not been significantly altered, for two primary reasons. First, the projects we help plan are typically at least two to three years away from opening, and the rapid vaccine development and rollout has given most youth/amateur sports organizers confidence that their leagues and events will return to normal operations by 2022. Second, in many regions of the country, youth sports did not slow significantly during the pandemic, especially for outdoor sports. Much as they did through the financial crisis of 2008, many families slashed household budgets and virtually eliminated vacation budgets, but they did not stop spending on their kids’ travel teams.

Once the initial lockdowns expired last spring, we saw a large majority of sports tournament organizers continue to host events wherever local laws allowed, with mask requirements in place, social distancing on the sidelines, and hand sanitizer dispensers at every field. This was particularly the case in regions with the fewest pandemic-related restrictions; states like Florida, Mississippi, Oklahoma and Texas continued to host youth and amateur sporting events and tournaments (often for both indoor and outdoor sports).

Now, as we look forward to a post-COVID world, we expect regional differences in this industry to continue to be important—just in a different way. Since the vast majority of sports tourism typically takes place within a five- to six-hour drive, national trends in youth sports data can be misleading. For example, frequently cited nationwide trends include the decline of tackle football participation due to concussions, and the aging of the fan base for sports such as baseball. However, if you live in the southeastern U.S., youth football and baseball/softball participation may not be declining, according to recent regional data from the Sports and Fitness Industry Association and the National Federation of State High School Associations. Projects we’ve recently worked on in Florida and Alabama showcased the fact that youth baseball and softball regional tournaments can be some of the largest economic-impact drivers of any sports tournaments in the country. These regional trends highlight the importance of cities and counties as hubs for the most popular sports within their drive-time ranges.

In another example, Victus Advisors has been a part of multiple facility planning studies in the last several years focused on indoor track and field, which uses a 200-meter banked running surface for high-level competition. These studies have occurred exclusively in the eastern and central time zones, where indoor track is a sanctioned sport in high school leagues and collegiate athletic conferences. When these venues are built in hotbeds such as Virginia, where the state-of-the-art Virginia Beach Sports Center opened in October 2020, indoor track creates significant economic impacts, thanks to high school, AAU and NCAA events that draw from a multi-state area.

There is one consistent national trend: the long-term growth of soccer. Depending on your data source, soccer is now the second most popular youth sport nationally for overall participation, behind only basketball, and in many regions it is the dominant outdoor youth sport. Our own recent projects in Southern California and North Carolina have illustrated this point; we’ve worked with large soccer clubs that have thousands of participants at all age levels and full-time staffs for both business administration and coaching.

Much as youth travel sports thrived through the economic collapse of 2008, they’ve repeated the feat through the pandemic, and as the country emerges from COVID, the industry now seems positioned to be as strong as ever.

Victus Advisors is a market, financial and economic consulting firm that specializes in objective research, independent analysis and data-driven recommendations for sports facility development projects.

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SportsTravel

Breaking News, Podcasts and Analysis Serving People who Organize, Manage and Host Sports Events

youth sports travel industry

The Evolving Landscape of Youth Sports

Episode #81.

SportsTravel Podcast Youth Sports

Youth sports are a bigger industry than any professional sports league in the country and are valuable for destinations of all. With multi-sport venues continuing to be built around the country, the industry shows no signs of slowing, but challenges remain from keeping children safe at events to getting them engaged in the first place.

In a discussion that was recorded at the TEAMS Conference & Expo in Oklahoma City , we brought together a panel of leaders in the youth sports space to discuss the industry’s most pressing issues, opportunities for sports organizations and destinations to work together, and the future of youth sports across the country.

The session was moderated by SportsTravel publisher Jason Gewirtz and the panel included Ju’Riese Colon , chief executive officer of the U.S. Center for Safe Sport; Megan Ditchman , vice president of marketing and partnerships for Elite Tournaments; Sarah Dyer , senior director of operations for EventConnect and Wayne Moss , executive director for the National Council of Youth Sports.

Among the topics discussed in this episode:

Moss on establishing Youth Sports Week (2:00): “The National Council of Youth Sports is a member organization. We’re comprised of a number of different types of organizations, national community based orgs like Pop Warner and AAU, localized mom and pop and some folks in the national governing bodies … We’re currently really at work around reducing youth sport injuries. There are about three and a half million young people who are injured each year. And half of those are preventable.”

Colon on what U.S. Center for Safe Sport does in the youth space (3:48): “We’re largely known for investigations of allegations of abuse and misconduct within the Olympic and the Paralympic sports. But we do so much more than that. A large part of our work is really centered around minor athletes and making sure that they’re safe in environments whether that means policies that we develop or training that we roll out, largely in part and in partnership with a lot of folks that are in the room today. … we’ve got 1,000 organizations across this country who are opting in and they’re opting in because they know that there’s resources, the educational content and the awareness around how to understand and prevent and respond to abuse and misconduct is so very important.”

Ditchman on how Elite Tournaments dealt with the pandemic (6:00): “We had to be really knowledgeable about what was going on at a federal level, what was going on at a local level and how we help keep the athletes safe. At this point we’ve kind of operationally been able to move past Covid and we’ve been able to return back to sort of our roots in terms of how we set up events and things like that. But I think some things stuck around, one of which is just the user experience as a whole. People got used to being able to be communicated with early and often and it was really important for us to just inundate our users and our families with as much information as possible, as early as possible. … that’s become our new level of expectation in terms of how we operate.”

Dyer on the growth of technology in youth sports: (7:32): “I would say through this year, March and May, we saw a lot of things really bounce back. … People are getting out there and making those bookings and those registrations a lot earlier than they were during the pandemic because they don’t want to deal with the cancellations that were taking place. Everything is getting back on track and that time span is about another, about 20 to 30 days out into the future that they’re actually starting to book and get back engaged with registration with sport.”

Ditchman on tournament team registration numbers (8:49): “We were really, really lucky through the pandemic to be a sport that was outdoors. So we were able to keep going and we felt honestly a social responsibility to do that as well because a lot of our clients are non-profit organizations, so we were helping to try and put on things at a smaller scale to make sure they were staying afloat during the pandemic, that kids that weren’t able to see their friends at school had a safe space to participate with their peers and to be able to have that experience of childhood and playing sports and things like that.”

Moss on the changing scene post-COVID in youth sports (9:40): “If we look at some of the data points just regarding COVID, obviously it impacted us tremendously. Three and a half million participants stopped playing during that period of time. However, the good news is that we saw increases in several areas in basketball and indoor and outdoor soccer. Ultimate Frisbee was an area that grew. And so for those that were in that space that wanted to get back playing and tournaments and so forth, they definitely saw a lot of growth in that area. … One of the other things that we do know is that 70 percent of young people begin to stop playing by age 13. And so it’s in our interest, all of our collective interests, to ensure that the experience is fun and that it’s one that young people want to continue to come back to again and again so all of our pipelines can be filled.”

Colon on the challenges in the youth sports space (13:30): “What we’re starting to see is an increase in this emotional and physical abuse and misconduct that is sort of rising to the top .. so how do we make sure that event organizers and teams are able to address some of those things right away? … it’s not just the team organizers, but it’s also the parents, it’s also the venues, it’s also the organizations who are managing all of this. And I think now as we’re starting to move in the same direction, understanding that we all have a connection to this — every person in every group, in every organization, every venue is starting to understand what their role is. And the more that we can just really push that and help people understand that, I think that all kids will be just a lot safer because you’ve got more eyes.”

Ditchman on evaluating future changes for youth tournament organizers (17:02): “Sometimes you’re watching trends and then sometimes it’s time to be part of the trend. … we saw where we were in youth soccer and we saw that the landscape was getting saturated and we were really secure in where we were. And so we looked at operationally how can we take our logistics plan and how can we move that and our marketing into another sport that makes sense for us. We had some key members of our company that had some background in lacrosse and we had some key relationships in the sport. So we took our time and we did our research and … we found the right organization that we wanted to work with. And we knew that our success was gonna depend on the relationships within the industry that already existed for lacrosse.”

Dyer on how technology is changing the youth sports experience (19:08): “The landscape of how people want to receive information now, they want it to be instantaneous. That really changed during Covid. They want the answer right away. Using technology, whether it’s through bots or AI or help desks, allow participants to get that information as quick as they can. And that all really goes down to the experience that they have with the event. … I think what is changing in the landscape is that concept of business sophistication, whether that’s through any company or organization to really the experience that they bring to their teams.”

Moss on working with destinations on the NCYS mission (21:55): “I think folks are interested in NCYS for a variety of reasons. Some of which is to be aligned to a larger movement, a community of youth sports. Some of it is certainly being able to key into some of the key information as it relates to youth sports, the trends that are happening that helps to serve them as they go on about doing their daily work. … it’s a part of pulling all the pieces together.”

Colon on what destinations can do to help make a youth sports event safe (23:27): ” … a big part of our work right now as we think about making sure that venues are safe is to have a really solid understanding of who we are. Because I think there’s a lot of confusion around what the Center for Safe Sport does. … I encourage anyone who’s hosting events with kids in particular to really take a really close focus and look at what do you have in place right now to make sure that they’re safe. Because there’s so many things that could go wrong — but there’s also so many things that could go right.”

Ditchman on the changes for a tournament organizer in working with destinations (26:13): “One thing that we noticed throughout the pandemic was the appetite for things at a local level. … we’re able to look at cities that maybe didn’t have those 15-, 20-field complexes for us, but they might have those eight-field complexes and they might be able to help us provide those same high level opportunities, but just at a regional level, which has been really great.”

The panel’s final thoughts going forward in the youth sports landscape (31:31):

  • Moss: “I’m bullish where we are as an industry. We see increases in participation, particularly at that 6-12 age group. That’s good for all of us. And so, you know, really excited about, again, this notion of getting more young people playing across a number of different spectrums so that again we can all get back to the business of play in a fun and safe environment.”
  • Colon: “We saw a decline in just the way that people were treating each other over the last two years. .. I do hope that like we’re gonna see more kids and their parents be a little more kinder to each other so that we are not on the receiving end of reports that come in that don’t really need to have that.”
  • Ditchman: “It’s so refreshing to just have a return to fun again. On the event level, on the youth side, it’s given us permission to pay attention to things like production that maybe played second fiddle to operations before. Kids are excited about extra activities and games and vendors and music … It’s not just finish your game and go home. People are lingering because they’re just happy to see other people having a great time.”
  • Dyer: … “Sports travel is what fed the market when we were in this little slump — it’s what came back first. And just seeing some of these events where registration crashes because families just can’t afford the prices that are coming into some of the hotels. … it’s the concept of accessibility so that people can travel and then we aren’t pricing ourselves completely out of the market and affecting those that do bring that economic impact to the city.”

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youth sports travel industry

Rise in travel teams has changed youth sports

youth sports travel industry

If you have a child participating in travel sports in Western North Carolina, you’ve likely spent more than a few weekends and vacation days driving to Charlotte or Atlanta or Columbia or dozens of other destinations throughout the Southeast.

You’ve slept in countless motels, spent hundreds of hours at well-manicured baseball diamonds or soccer complexes and developed social bonds with fellow parents who also have committed themselves to the road life.

And you’ve likely spent thousands of dollars a year on registration fees, travel, camps, equipment and private lessons.

Parents and coaches say travel sports can be an excellent experience for young athletes. In addition to providing a higher level of competition than can be found in local recreation leagues, they say, travel can help kids develop social skills, become leaders and take in cultural resources in other cities.

At the same time, they admit the whole thing can be a grind.

“The kids are having fun, but also when you’re playing somewhere and it’s South Carolina and it’s 90 degrees and you play five games over two days, the kids are just baked after it’s done,” says Asheville’s Sid Border , who’s been involved with travel baseball as a father and a coach.

Travel teams are selective youth teams that play at an elite level in a variety of sports, including baseball, soccer, softball and lacrosse. Typically, they are run as part of a private or club sports program rather than a recreational league. Players travel long distances to participate in games, tournaments and showcase events.

The youth sports market in the U.S. topped $19 billion annually before the pandemic, according to a study by Wintergreen Research. A big part of that is the rise in travel sports operations and associated tournaments and showcase events over the last two decades.

“The travel sports, I think, have grown so much in popularity because those kids that are interested in playing for their high school team, interested in playing in college, they really have to work out through that system to train with kids of a similar level to reach those aspirations,” says Adam Payne , a parent who coaches a girls soccer travel team through Carolina Football Club Hendersonville.

Taking a toll

But some observers bemoan the proliferation of for-profit travel sports, which they say tend to hurt family cohesiveness, put physical and psychological strain on kids and devastate community-based recreation programs.

“A lot of people are traveling long distances just to participate in these games and tournaments, which in itself takes a huge toll on these kids,” says Joshua Vadeboncoeur , an adjunct instructor of sports management at UNC Asheville. “At that point, it’s not just a matter of going to the ballpark after school a few times a week. Now it’s basically a full-time job for them, especially over the summer months when a lot of these tournaments take place.”

Additionally, he says, the huge costs associated with travel sports mean the system tends to favor families that have financial means and flexible work schedules.

Parents and coaches are aware of such concerns, and they help out folks who can’t travel on weekends due to their jobs or other commitments by giving their kids rides to tournaments. Coaches try to schedule events so that time in the car is minimized.

And some travel organizations have scholarships available for athletes whose parents can’t afford the high costs — at least in theory. But not many take advantage of them.

“It’s intimidating for a kid to not have a ride all the time and always be with somebody else and be away,” says Asheville’s Michael James , whose son plays travel baseball.

All the coaches interviewed encourage young athletes to participate in multiple sports rather than specializing at too young an age.

“It’s very important to not only play other sports, but to go to the pool and swim and fish and camp and do things with your family,” Border says. “You want to see your grandparents and all these other things that can get put on the back burner behind travel sports.”

Border thinks the benefits of travel ball can be overblown, especially for kids under age 12. “They’re starting at 6 now and spending all summer going to tournaments,” he says. “And I don’t think that’s good for the development and the kids.”

Why travel?

So what motivates kids — and parents — to dedicate their lives and weekends to travel sports?

While some parents have visions of their child becoming the next Alex Morgan or Mike Trout , most have more realistic goals.

“The parents want the kids to be successful, the kids want to be successful, everybody wants to be good at something,” James says. “I think that people, at least the people that I know in our peer group, don’t see the grand illusion of making it in the major leagues. I think they know that with baseball, it’s really tough.”

Payne says simply making the middle school or high school team is enough motivation for most.

The Hendersonville-based girls soccer team he coaches has played roughly 130 games together over the last four years. A player competing only in a rec league, on the other hand, may have played something like 30 games in that stretch.

When it comes time for school tryouts, the difference readily becomes apparent.

Border says many families choose to participate in travel sports out of a fear of missing out.

“They’re told if they’re not specializing, they’re going to get left behind, they’re just not going to keep up with the other kids that are playing all the time,” he says.

Social benefits

For all the challenges travel presents, many say it provides a positive social experience for the athletes and their parents, who form friendships with the other adults.

“We’ve all been doing this together for so long that we don’t consider it a burden,” says Bob Clausen , who’s been involved with the Asheville Inline Hockey League for about 20 years. “We’re so tightknit and we’re so small that we consider it more of a vacation ourselves to get out of town and run off for the weekend and hang out with our buddies.”

He says his teams often will take over the dining area of a hotel in the evenings, order several pizzas and have a pizza party. “The kids all hang out and the parents all hang out. It’s actually great camaraderie.”

James agrees that many young people enjoy the travel experience.

“It’s a focused scenario where your family and friends are together, it’s all baseball, and then you have an opportunity to win, essentially right to the end,” he says. “It has been nice that they can continue to play together year after year and get to know each other and know the families. They get to have these longer-term relationships.”

Payne says players who participate in travel teams learn skills that will put them in a good position to be successful on their school teams and be leaders on those teams. “Not just in terms of ability, but understanding the game, being able to help the other players,” he says.

Rec leagues hurting

For James, nothing beats the scene at North Asheville Little League’s Weaver Park on a Friday night.

“With the lights and the neighbors coming down to watch the game and the kids running around the path, it’s amazing,” he says. “That community part, that’s what travel doesn’t quite have because you’re in some big manufactured complex.”

But the long-term viability of such community-based programs is in question, in part because travel teams take away the best players.

“This is hurting the everyday average child who just wants to have fun and participate in sport,” says UNCA’s Vadeboncoeur.

Border’s son plays in North Asheville Little League, which he says has stayed fairly strong even as many other Little League programs have suffered dwindling numbers. But for many of the more talented kids, the league is an afterthought.

“They show up when they don’t have the travel, but some of them don’t ever pitch or do certain positions because it’s just not the priority,” he says. Some travel coaches actively discourage their players from participating, he says.

“The fact that it [travel] hurts a lot of these Little League or local rec leagues is something that I really wish wasn’t happening,” he says.

Rec leagues react

Wayne Simmons , program and operations manager for Asheville Parks and Recreation, agrees the rise of travel teams has created challenges for rec leagues. For instance, scheduling games can be difficult in sports like baseball because some of the better players aren’t available on Saturdays.

And, he says, many travel players simply choose not to participate at all. In some cases, that’s because parents think travel coaches are better equipped to help players improve than volunteer coaches.

As a result, Simmons says, many rec leagues are running clinics and short-term programs designed to help players get better. Asheville Parks and Rec did weekly clinics for basketball players this past season and may do the same for other sports.

“The idea is to allow them to continue to get some additional development time outside of that traditional league format of one practice and a game a week,” Simmons says. “Kids really get to work on their fundamentals and not always be in that competitive venue.”

Players who were able to participate in the clinics regularly showed improvement, he says.

Also, the department is committed to giving volunteer coaches support, education and resources so they can run effective practices.

Simmons thinks travel sports have a place in the community, especially for young athletes who develop quickly and show great promise.

But he cautions parents to be aware of the effects travel commitments can have. “Let the kids drive that interest and that desire rather than having it forced on them.”

James agrees the best thing about travel teams is that they give families of talented athletes options if they want to develop their skills against elite competition.

“How healthy it is and everything I think is obviously up to each family,” he says.

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One thought on “ Rise in travel teams has changed youth sports ”

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So it the parents like those mentioned in this article that are killing youth sports. 95% of these travel kids will be done with baseball by Hs. Maybe focus more on community service and education and we wouldn’t have a population of idiots.

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Impact of COVID-19 on Willingness to Travel for Youth Sports

Parent feelings regarding their willingness to travel impacts their perceptions toward the 12 adaptations. When looking at parent responses for those who participate in travel sports that require more than 50 miles of travel from home, 38% reported that the current pandemic makes them less willing to travel and more likely to seek opportunities to compete closer to home. In contrast, 60% reported the pandemic had no impact on their travel plans, while 2% reported the pandemic makes them more willing to travel than before.

Travel parents less willing to travel during the pandemic are represented by the dot in Figure 4 , while travel parents not changing their travel plans are represented at the end of the dotted line. Figure 4 shows that travel parents less willing to travel perceive all 12 adaptations in a more positive light, and their inclusion will add to their satisfaction. In contrast, travel parents who are not less likely to travel during the pandemic have a lower left drift for each adaptation, feeling more indifferent about each adaptation.

youth sports travel industry

Returning to Travel Sports

Travel sports parents demonstrated an increasing comfort level in traveling for competitions each month. Their comfort level increased from 42% in May to 76% in August. Figure 5 shows their comfort level during May through September.

youth sports travel industry

Impact of COVID-19 on Sports Travel Budget

The economic turmoil wrought by COVID-19 has touched nearly every aspect of American life. However, 59% of travel sports parents (n = 8,824) reported that the pandemic will not negatively impact their sports travel budget, and only 23% will experience a decrease greater than 25% in their youth sports travel budget (see Table 8 ).

Table 8: Change in Sports Travel Budget for Travel Sports Parents

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Is the youth sports industry recession-proof.

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Founder and Chairman of Destination Athlete ; expert in Franchise Leadership, Business Development and Commercial Business Model Innovation.

In a time when the country and the world are facing so much uncertainty, the answer to the question I posed in the headline may surprise you. While so much change is happening every day, one thing that doesn’t change is parents’ wishes for their children to be successful and to flourish. Sports have long been viewed as a safe outlet for children because it teaches them teamwork, self-discipline and important skills. Sports also foster friendships and give kids memories that will last a lifetime.

Youth sports is big business, and even amid talks of a recession, it shows no signs of slowing down. Many schools have solid sports budgets, and teams will always need uniforms and equipment in order to compete.

For families who invest much of their time and money supporting their children’s athletic endeavors, sports are often immune to financial stresses. For instance, if inflation or a weak economy adversely impacts a family’s finances, we’ve noticed that they often will make sacrifices in other areas (e.g., eating out, vacations, gym memberships) in order to keep their children playing.

Moreover, if parents feel their child needs additional training, they may spend extra money on off-season training or joining a travel team to further their child’s athletic development and improve their game. During a recession, however, families may opt for a regional travel team instead of a national team to reduce travel expenses.

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The idea that their children may have a professional career in sports is also attractive to some parents. The potential for college scholarships often provides an incentive as well. While not every youth who plays sports is destined for a future in it, they can greatly benefit from all that it has to offer in their younger years.

Youth sports do seem to be largely impervious to economic downturns. Sports travel/tourism, in particular, is reported to be “one of the fastest growing, if not the fastest growing sector of youth and amateur sports and recreation.”

Whenever uncertainty invades daily life, it is always reassuring to have a constant to rely upon. Youth sports provide much-needed routine and structure for so many. It’s no wonder that the industry continues to thrive.

All of that said, growth and success are not givens for every business serving the youth sports industry. Drawing on some strategies my own company has employed, here are some ideas to take advantage of the opportunities in the industry and the potential for growth.

• Provide fundraising opportunities. Both local and national fundraising efforts can help lift the weight of youth sports expenses such as travel, safe equipment and uniforms. Can you offer locally focused online stores where a percentage of proceeds are donated back to the youth sports organization? Many sports fans take pride in wearing team colors to show support. Can you provide an opportunity for supporters far and wide to make a monetary contribution to a team? Perhaps through a custom online link where supporters can recieve discounted offers? In this economic climate, discounts along with team support are a winning combination.

• Nurture your relationships with key vendors. Each year, restructure your vendor list by scaling back on what isn’t working, while staying focused on business with vendors that have outperformed in service and delivery. Vendors can also play a role as a strategic resource for athletic communities. Sponsorships for free sports clinics or equipment demonstrations, either pre-season or post-season, are an opportunity to build relationships with coaches, trainers, athletes and parents. Make sure you start this months in advance of the start of any sports season. Prepare by continuously educating yourself on products from vendors to ensure a superior customer experience.

• Give back to the community. Time is valuable when you own your own business, but time spent volunteering alongside parents and coaches is priceless. Ask yourself: How well do you know your clients? Do you know what hobbies the coach enjoys in the off-season? Does the parent working concessions have other children in sports? Building partnerships is essential to business growth and development. When you ask, “What can I do to help you this season as a volunteer?” it moves the needle from client to partner. When this connection is made, everyone walks away with a win.

Forbes Business Council is the foremost growth and networking organization for business owners and leaders. Do I qualify?

Doug Dickison

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Elektrostal, Russia

Region: Moscow Oblast

Geographic coordinates: 55.783300, 38.466700, temperature range: -40.0°c to 30.0°c (-40°f to 86°f), climate: cold and snowy winters, mild summers with occasional heat waves., population: 158508, language: russian.

Elektrostal, Located in the Moscow Oblast region of Russia, Is a city known for its industrial heritage and diverse economy. With a population of around 150, 000 people, It lies approximately 50 kilometers east of Moscow. Founded in 1916 as an industrial center for steel and metal production, Elektrostal’s most notable landmark is the Elektrostal Metallurgical Plant (EMZ). The plant produces various steel products including railway wheels, Pipes, Wire rod, And sheet metal. Apart from its industrial significance, Elektrostal offers several cultural attractions that are worth visiting.

The Museum-Estate Kuskovo features an impressive collection of art and artifacts from the 18th century. Lake Senezh – a large freshwater lake outside Elektrostal’s city limits – provides opportunities for swimming, Boating or fishing during summer months. Elektrostal also has several parks where visitors can enjoy outdoor activities such as hiking or cycling. Gorky Park features walking paths along with sports facilities like tennis courts and basketball courts. Public transport within Elektrostal itself is convenient with numerous bus routes connecting different parts within the city limits as well as nearby towns like Noginsk or Dmitrovskiy Districts in Moscow Region.

Overall Elektrostal offers visitors an interesting mix of industrial heritage, Cultural attractions and natural beauty making it definitely worth a visit whether you’re interested in learning about Russia’s steel industry or simply want to enjoy the outdoors.

youth sports travel industry

Important Landmarks

  • The Museum of Local Lore – it showcases the history and culture of the town.
  • The Church of St. Nicholas – a beautiful Orthodox church built in the 19th century.
  • Victory Park – a large park with several monuments dedicated to World War II heroes.
  • Ice Palace Vityaz – a modern ice arena that hosts various sports events and concerts.
  • Elektrostal Central Park – a popular spot for picnics, walking, and outdoor activities.
  • The Monument to Soviet Soldiers – located in Victory Square, it honors soldiers who died during World War II.
  • Elektrostal History Museum – displays artifacts from ancient times to present day including photographs, documents, paintings etc.,
  • Kuzminsky Park- A beautiful park with greenery all around perfect for spending some quality time with family or friends

youth sports travel industry

Primary Industries

  • Metallurgical Industry: Elektrostal is renowned for its steel production industry that involves the manufacturing of steel pipes, wires, sheets and other metal products.
  • Chemical Industry: The city boasts several chemical plants that produce chemicals such as ammonia, fertilizers and plastics.
  • Machinery Industry: Elektrostal has a significant machinery industry that produces machine tools, mining equipment and other industrial machinery.
  • Construction Materials Industry: There are several cement factories in the city producing cement and concrete products.
  • Food Processing Industry: Several food processing plants operate within the city producing dairy products, meat products and other food items.
  • Energy Sector: The city houses a thermal power plant which supplies electricity to the region.
  • Retail and Service Sector: Additionally, there is a well-developed retail sector with shopping centers, supermarkets and small shops catering to the local population’s needs.

youth sports travel industry

Noteable History

  • The city was founded in 1916 as a center for steel production during World War I.
  • During World War II, Elektrostal played a crucial role in supplying the Soviet army with weapons and ammunition.
  • In 1957, the first nuclear power plant in Russia was built near Elektrostal.
  • The city is known for producing high-quality steel that is used in various industries such as automotive, aerospace, and construction.
  • Notable people from Elektrostal include Olympic gold medalist figure skater Irina Slutskaya and former Russian Prime Minister Sergei Kiriyenko.
  • In recent years, the city has undergone significant modernization efforts to improve its infrastructure and attract new businesses to the area.

youth sports travel industry

Museums and Things To See

  • Museum of Local Lore: This museum showcases the history and culture of Elektrostal and the surrounding region.
  • Victory Park: A large park dedicated to the victory in World War II, with monuments, memorials, and a military museum.
  • Church of St. Nicholas: A beautiful Orthodox church with stunning frescoes and icons.
  • The House-Museum of V.V.Vorovsky: This museum is dedicated to the revolutionary leader Vorovsky who lived in Elektrostal for a time.
  • The Central Culture and Leisure Park: A popular park with various attractions like amusement rides, sports facilities, cafes etc.
  • The Monument to the First Builders of Elektrostal: This monument commemorates those who built the city’s first industrial complex.
  • Art Gallery Art-El: An art center featuring works by local artists as well as exhibitions from around Russia and beyond.
  • Museum Elektrosvet: A unique museum showcasing lighting equipment from various periods starting from 19th century till present day.

youth sports travel industry

youth sports travel industry

Cultural Events

  • City Day Celebration: This festival is held annually on the first weekend of September to celebrate the founding of Elektrostal.
  • International Festival The World of Dance: A dance festival featuring performances from various countries around the world.
  • Folklore Kaleidoscope Festival: A cultural event showcasing traditional folk music, dance, and costumes from different regions of Russia.
  • Art-Electro Festival: An art exhibition featuring works by local artists as well as artists from other parts of Russia.
  • Jazz Festivals: There are several jazz festivals held throughout the year in Elektrostal which feature performances by local and international jazz musicians.

youth sports travel industry

  • Shashlychnaya No. 1 – A restaurant specializing in shashlik (Russian kebabs) and other grilled meats.
  • Cafe U Dvukh Medvedey – A cozy cafe serving traditional Russian dishes like borscht, pelmeni (dumplings), and blini (pancakes).
  • Pivnaya Apteka – A beer bar with a wide selection of craft beers from Russia and around the world.
  • Kebab House – A fast-food chain offering various types of kebabs, falafel wraps, and salads.
  • Cafe Podkova – Another cozy cafe serving Russian dishes like beef stroganoff, chicken Kiev, and dumplings with different fillings.
  • Restaurant Kolbasny Dom – A meat lover’s paradise with various types of sausages, smoked meats, and steaks on the menu.
  • Sushi Master – For those who crave Japanese cuisine; this sushi restaurant offers fresh sushi rolls and sashimi plates.
  • Pizzeria Mama Mia!- If you’re in the mood for Italian food; this pizzeria offers delicious pizzas made from scratch using fresh ingredients.
  • Cafe Kamelot- A cozy café serving traditional Russian dishes such as borscht soup,pelmeni (dumplings),and vareniki(boiled dumplings).
  • Restaurant “Gagarin”- Named after Yuri Gagarin; this restaurant serves European cuisine including steaks,pasta,and salads along with exotic cocktails to choose from!

youth sports travel industry

Parks and Recreation

  • Central Park of Culture and Rest
  • Park of the 50th Anniversary of Victory
  • Park of the 300th Anniversary of Elektrostal
  • Sports and Recreation Complex Olympic
  • Ice Palace Elektrostal
  • Ski resort Krugloye Ozero
  • Beach complex Sunny Beach
  • Tennis club Elektrostal
  • Bowling club Strike
  • Paintball club Delta Force

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40 facts about elektrostal.

Lanette Mayes

Written by Lanette Mayes

Modified & Updated: 02 Mar 2024

Jessica Corbett

Reviewed by Jessica Corbett

40-facts-about-elektrostal

Elektrostal is a vibrant city located in the Moscow Oblast region of Russia. With a rich history, stunning architecture, and a thriving community, Elektrostal is a city that has much to offer. Whether you are a history buff, nature enthusiast, or simply curious about different cultures, Elektrostal is sure to captivate you.

This article will provide you with 40 fascinating facts about Elektrostal, giving you a better understanding of why this city is worth exploring. From its origins as an industrial hub to its modern-day charm, we will delve into the various aspects that make Elektrostal a unique and must-visit destination.

So, join us as we uncover the hidden treasures of Elektrostal and discover what makes this city a true gem in the heart of Russia.

Key Takeaways:

  • Elektrostal, known as the “Motor City of Russia,” is a vibrant and growing city with a rich industrial history, offering diverse cultural experiences and a strong commitment to environmental sustainability.
  • With its convenient location near Moscow, Elektrostal provides a picturesque landscape, vibrant nightlife, and a range of recreational activities, making it an ideal destination for residents and visitors alike.

Known as the “Motor City of Russia.”

Elektrostal, a city located in the Moscow Oblast region of Russia, earned the nickname “Motor City” due to its significant involvement in the automotive industry.

Home to the Elektrostal Metallurgical Plant.

Elektrostal is renowned for its metallurgical plant, which has been producing high-quality steel and alloys since its establishment in 1916.

Boasts a rich industrial heritage.

Elektrostal has a long history of industrial development, contributing to the growth and progress of the region.

Founded in 1916.

The city of Elektrostal was founded in 1916 as a result of the construction of the Elektrostal Metallurgical Plant.

Located approximately 50 kilometers east of Moscow.

Elektrostal is situated in close proximity to the Russian capital, making it easily accessible for both residents and visitors.

Known for its vibrant cultural scene.

Elektrostal is home to several cultural institutions, including museums, theaters, and art galleries that showcase the city’s rich artistic heritage.

A popular destination for nature lovers.

Surrounded by picturesque landscapes and forests, Elektrostal offers ample opportunities for outdoor activities such as hiking, camping, and birdwatching.

Hosts the annual Elektrostal City Day celebrations.

Every year, Elektrostal organizes festive events and activities to celebrate its founding, bringing together residents and visitors in a spirit of unity and joy.

Has a population of approximately 160,000 people.

Elektrostal is home to a diverse and vibrant community of around 160,000 residents, contributing to its dynamic atmosphere.

Boasts excellent education facilities.

The city is known for its well-established educational institutions, providing quality education to students of all ages.

A center for scientific research and innovation.

Elektrostal serves as an important hub for scientific research, particularly in the fields of metallurgy, materials science, and engineering.

Surrounded by picturesque lakes.

The city is blessed with numerous beautiful lakes, offering scenic views and recreational opportunities for locals and visitors alike.

Well-connected transportation system.

Elektrostal benefits from an efficient transportation network, including highways, railways, and public transportation options, ensuring convenient travel within and beyond the city.

Famous for its traditional Russian cuisine.

Food enthusiasts can indulge in authentic Russian dishes at numerous restaurants and cafes scattered throughout Elektrostal.

Home to notable architectural landmarks.

Elektrostal boasts impressive architecture, including the Church of the Transfiguration of the Lord and the Elektrostal Palace of Culture.

Offers a wide range of recreational facilities.

Residents and visitors can enjoy various recreational activities, such as sports complexes, swimming pools, and fitness centers, enhancing the overall quality of life.

Provides a high standard of healthcare.

Elektrostal is equipped with modern medical facilities, ensuring residents have access to quality healthcare services.

Home to the Elektrostal History Museum.

The Elektrostal History Museum showcases the city’s fascinating past through exhibitions and displays.

A hub for sports enthusiasts.

Elektrostal is passionate about sports, with numerous stadiums, arenas, and sports clubs offering opportunities for athletes and spectators.

Celebrates diverse cultural festivals.

Throughout the year, Elektrostal hosts a variety of cultural festivals, celebrating different ethnicities, traditions, and art forms.

Electric power played a significant role in its early development.

Elektrostal owes its name and initial growth to the establishment of electric power stations and the utilization of electricity in the industrial sector.

Boasts a thriving economy.

The city’s strong industrial base, coupled with its strategic location near Moscow, has contributed to Elektrostal’s prosperous economic status.

Houses the Elektrostal Drama Theater.

The Elektrostal Drama Theater is a cultural centerpiece, attracting theater enthusiasts from far and wide.

Popular destination for winter sports.

Elektrostal’s proximity to ski resorts and winter sport facilities makes it a favorite destination for skiing, snowboarding, and other winter activities.

Promotes environmental sustainability.

Elektrostal prioritizes environmental protection and sustainability, implementing initiatives to reduce pollution and preserve natural resources.

Home to renowned educational institutions.

Elektrostal is known for its prestigious schools and universities, offering a wide range of academic programs to students.

Committed to cultural preservation.

The city values its cultural heritage and takes active steps to preserve and promote traditional customs, crafts, and arts.

Hosts an annual International Film Festival.

The Elektrostal International Film Festival attracts filmmakers and cinema enthusiasts from around the world, showcasing a diverse range of films.

Encourages entrepreneurship and innovation.

Elektrostal supports aspiring entrepreneurs and fosters a culture of innovation, providing opportunities for startups and business development.

Offers a range of housing options.

Elektrostal provides diverse housing options, including apartments, houses, and residential complexes, catering to different lifestyles and budgets.

Home to notable sports teams.

Elektrostal is proud of its sports legacy, with several successful sports teams competing at regional and national levels.

Boasts a vibrant nightlife scene.

Residents and visitors can enjoy a lively nightlife in Elektrostal, with numerous bars, clubs, and entertainment venues.

Promotes cultural exchange and international relations.

Elektrostal actively engages in international partnerships, cultural exchanges, and diplomatic collaborations to foster global connections.

Surrounded by beautiful nature reserves.

Nearby nature reserves, such as the Barybino Forest and Luchinskoye Lake, offer opportunities for nature enthusiasts to explore and appreciate the region’s biodiversity.

Commemorates historical events.

The city pays tribute to significant historical events through memorials, monuments, and exhibitions, ensuring the preservation of collective memory.

Promotes sports and youth development.

Elektrostal invests in sports infrastructure and programs to encourage youth participation, health, and physical fitness.

Hosts annual cultural and artistic festivals.

Throughout the year, Elektrostal celebrates its cultural diversity through festivals dedicated to music, dance, art, and theater.

Provides a picturesque landscape for photography enthusiasts.

The city’s scenic beauty, architectural landmarks, and natural surroundings make it a paradise for photographers.

Connects to Moscow via a direct train line.

The convenient train connection between Elektrostal and Moscow makes commuting between the two cities effortless.

A city with a bright future.

Elektrostal continues to grow and develop, aiming to become a model city in terms of infrastructure, sustainability, and quality of life for its residents.

In conclusion, Elektrostal is a fascinating city with a rich history and a vibrant present. From its origins as a center of steel production to its modern-day status as a hub for education and industry, Elektrostal has plenty to offer both residents and visitors. With its beautiful parks, cultural attractions, and proximity to Moscow, there is no shortage of things to see and do in this dynamic city. Whether you’re interested in exploring its historical landmarks, enjoying outdoor activities, or immersing yourself in the local culture, Elektrostal has something for everyone. So, next time you find yourself in the Moscow region, don’t miss the opportunity to discover the hidden gems of Elektrostal.

Q: What is the population of Elektrostal?

A: As of the latest data, the population of Elektrostal is approximately XXXX.

Q: How far is Elektrostal from Moscow?

A: Elektrostal is located approximately XX kilometers away from Moscow.

Q: Are there any famous landmarks in Elektrostal?

A: Yes, Elektrostal is home to several notable landmarks, including XXXX and XXXX.

Q: What industries are prominent in Elektrostal?

A: Elektrostal is known for its steel production industry and is also a center for engineering and manufacturing.

Q: Are there any universities or educational institutions in Elektrostal?

A: Yes, Elektrostal is home to XXXX University and several other educational institutions.

Q: What are some popular outdoor activities in Elektrostal?

A: Elektrostal offers several outdoor activities, such as hiking, cycling, and picnicking in its beautiful parks.

Q: Is Elektrostal well-connected in terms of transportation?

A: Yes, Elektrostal has good transportation links, including trains and buses, making it easily accessible from nearby cities.

Q: Are there any annual events or festivals in Elektrostal?

A: Yes, Elektrostal hosts various events and festivals throughout the year, including XXXX and XXXX.

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Our commitment to delivering trustworthy and engaging content is at the heart of what we do. Each fact on our site is contributed by real users like you, bringing a wealth of diverse insights and information. To ensure the highest standards of accuracy and reliability, our dedicated editors meticulously review each submission. This process guarantees that the facts we share are not only fascinating but also credible. Trust in our commitment to quality and authenticity as you explore and learn with us.

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  • Infographics

youth sports travel industry

The "Kristall-Elektrostal" Children's and Youth Sports School of Olympic Reserve in the town of Elektrostal, Moscow Region. Diving from a 10- meter-high board. 1979.

  • Categories: Education , Sports
  • Location: Elektrostal , Moscow region , Russia
  • Event date: 01.06.1979
  • Date published: 25.11.2010
  • Author: Yuriy Somov
  • Source: Sputnik
  • Credit: Sputnik
  • Original: 79-8424, 35 mm film
  • Media: JPEG, 3504x5254px, 2Mb

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IMAGES

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  20. Elektrostal, Russia

    Elektrostal, Located in the Moscow Oblast region of Russia, Is a city known for its industrial heritage and diverse economy. With a population of around 150, 000 people, It lies approximately 50 kilometers east of Moscow. Founded in 1916 as an industrial center for steel and metal production, Elektrostal's most notable landmark is the Elektrostal Metallurgical Plant (EMZ).

  21. 40 Facts About Elektrostal

    Known as the "Motor City of Russia." Elektrostal, a city located in the Moscow Oblast region of Russia, earned the nickname "Motor City" due to its significant involvement in the automotive industry.. Home to the Elektrostal Metallurgical Plant. Elektrostal is renowned for its metallurgical plant, which has been producing high-quality steel and alloys since its establishment in 1916.

  22. "Kristall-Elektrostal" sports school

    The "Kristall-Elektrostal" Children's and Youth Sports School of Olympic Reserve in the town of Elektrostal, Moscow Region. Diving from a 10- meter-high board. 1979.