Letter to the editor

 To the editor: What can we do to save youth sports in Berkshire County?

As an athlete turned coach here in Berkshire County, it's painful to see declining participation in sports all throughout the county. This decline has been exacerbated by the challenges brought on throughout the years, and here in Berkshire County, the effects are obvious.

According to a report by the Aspen Institute, participation in youth sports has seen a significant decrease over the past few years. In 2019, only 38% of children aged 6 to 12 participated in team sports on a regular basis, marking a significant drop from previous years. This decline has only intensified post-pandemic, with many kids opting out of youth sports.

As someone who has coached youth cheerleading in our community for over 5 years now, I have witnessed firsthand the impact of these trends. Once thriving sports programs all throughout the county have seen a noticeable decrease in participation, leaving many teams and leagues struggling to maintain their operations.

Something needs to change to reignite the passion for sports among our youth.

So, what can we do to reverse these numbers and breathe new life into youth sports in Berkshire County? 

We as coaches and parents need to focus on creating an encouraging place within these programs to make these young athletes WANT to play. We have to be the ones to inspire and encourage the next generation of young athletes.

Sports are not like they were 20-30 years ago here in Berkshire County. With major reputable programs having to merge in the past few years, such as the recent merge resulting in Pittsfield Little League, is a prime example of the ripple effect of the deterioration in youth sports over the years.

The decline in athlete participation in youth sports is something that needs an immediate call to action if we want to keep these programs here in Berkshire County. By investing time into these programs, kids not only are getting involved, but we as a community also grow closer. 

As someone who has dedicated hundreds of hours of my time and energy to coaching youth sports, I know firsthand the positive impact that sports has and can have. Now, more than ever, it's crucial that we come together as a community to ensure that every child in Berkshire County has the opportunity to participate in sports and reap the countless benefits they offer.