Eliminating Barriers to Youth Sport in Pitt County

Abstract

This case study provides an opportunity for students to better understand barriers faced by low-income families participating in local sport opportunities and then offer creative solutions in an attempt to alleviate some barriers and create a more inclusive sports community. This case focuses on the reoccurring struggle that the Greenville Recreation and Parks Department (GRPD) faces when trying to increase diversity in youth sports programs and create inclusive programs for all youth, regardless of socioeconomic status. GRPD’s Development Intern, Sarah, identifies issues with the current financial assistance program that GRPD offers as well as collects feedback from community members detailing community needs that are not being met. This case provides an opportunity for students to: 1) examine how sports organizations unintentionally create barriers for some members of the community; 2) develop inclusive systems in attempt to counteract identified barriers; 3) find innovative ways to eliminate barriers to youth sport participation.