Assessing the Dynamics of Program Participation in 

Children and Youth Sports Programs

The Kansas City Youth Sports Participation Report — Phase 2, developed by Children’s Mercy Kansas City in partnership with the Midwest Center for Nonprofit Leadership at UMKC, explores how young people across the metro engage with organized sports programs. Building on earlier ecosystem mapping, this report shifts attention from documenting opportunities to analyzing actual participation patterns. It examines who is involved, how engagement varies across demographics and communities, and what barriers may limit access to youth athletics. Data collection concluded in late 2025, offering a timely snapshot of participation trends and equity challenges. The report’s purpose is to equip nonprofit leaders, educators, and policymakers with insights into participation dynamics, guiding strategies to expand inclusive, sustainable opportunities for young athletes in Greater Kansas City.