State of Play WASHINGTON D.C.

State of Play Washington D.C. was released in March 2025 as the Aspen Institute’s 16th community report. In partnership with Under Armour and with contributions from Fight For Children, the report analyzes the barriers and opportunities for more children in the District to play sports, given the physical, social, emotional and academic benefits of physical activity.

To understand D.C. children’s sports experiences, the Aspen Institute surveyed almost 600 children; analyzed sports participation “deserts” in the city; held focus groups with young people, coaches, sports administrators and parents; interviewed key stakeholders and community members; and reviewed existing studies and data.

Key Findings

Black children and girls are underrepresented in sports. D.C. has the largest sports participation gap between girls and boys for any “state” in the U.S., and the difference between Black and White children who play is even larger. According to the 2022-23 combined National Survey of Children's Health data, 53% of D.C. girls played sports compared to 70% of boys. Only 51% of Black children played vs. 84% of White youth.

Youth in Wards 7 and 8, home to D.C.’s highest poverty rates, have less access to sports. Parents in these neighborhoods are most affected by the costs to play. Participation in almost every sport, except football and basketball, is lower in Wards 7 and 8 compared to Ward 3, which is the most affluent area of the city. High schools in Wards 7 and 8 within District of Columbia Public Schools average about two fewer sports offered than the rest of the city.

Boys most want to try boxing; girls prefer rock climbing. Our youth survey also showed baseball, karate, archery and tennis as activities that boys want to try. Girls also like gymnastics, volleyball, cheer and swimming.

Children are motivated by joy and friendships to play sports. The No. 1 reason D.C. kids said they play is to be with friends, followed closely by having fun.

Charter schools struggle to grow sports access. Charters comprise 36% of the District’s high school population and only 22% of the high school sports participants.

Transportation is a barrier to play. While 91% of D.C. children from high-income homes are driven to sports activities by family members, only 50% of low-income youth enjoy that benefit.

RECOMMENDATIONS

Washington D.C. is one of the most passionate sports cities in the country. And it’s one of the most complex and politically daunting cities in the country, with an array of municipal, school, federal and private entities organizing and regulating sport activities across eight wards.

The report identifies eight challenges for children to access sports and potential solutions addressing each barrier. One of the Aspen Institute’s recommendations was that the D.C. government support the creation of an athletic council that sits inside or outside of government. The council would create common goals to build a more coherent system that focuses on quality sports opportunities, especially for underserved youth.

Other recommendations include:

  • Building an online youth sports directory. Help families identify the right league, team and pathway for their children. Use data collected from sports providers to identify systemic challenges in D.C. and build sustainable solutions.

  • Providing more training and mentorship opportunities for coaches. There is a need for sustained development of coaches at all ages around positive youth development, and more than just one-time training.

  • Aligning pro-team investments around girls’ sports. D.C. teams could collaboratively invest in multisport programs for girls, education and distribution of sports bras, and initiatives to attract more women into coaching.

  • Creating one comprehensive permitting system for facilities. Fields and gyms are operated by different entities with varying policies. This can be confusing and inefficient for the public. Although implementing this idea would be challenging, the council could aim to eventually create a more functional permitting system.

NEXT STEPS

Under Armour plans to invest in D.C. youth sports opportunities by using its Project Rampart program from Baltimore as a blueprint. Launched in 2017, Project Rampart has provided Baltimore youth with access to top-tier performance gear, safe play spaces, and essential resources. This initiative has improved athletic opportunities and supported academic growth, with increased graduation rates, higher GPAs and greater school and community engagement.

The “State of Play Washington D.C.” advisory group is committed to continue meeting. The Aspen Institute’s research was guided by an advisory group of local leaders from city government, schools, parks and rec, police, nonprofit partners, pro sports teams and more. The advisory group is studying how to create a sustainable D.C. athletic council that focuses on growing quality sports opportunities, especially for underserved youth.

For more information about State of Play Washington D.C., email Project Play Community Impact Director Jon Solomon at jon.solomon@aspeninstitute.org.

The Aspen Institute thanks our partner Under Armour for its support of this report and appreciates the contribution from Fight For Children.