Indy Standard

U.S. Senators Todd Young and Jon Ossoff have reintroduced a bipartisan bill aimed at enhancing youth sports facilities throughout the United States. The Youth Sports Facilities Act proposes using the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Economic Development Administration (EDA) grants to support the construction and upgrade of sports amenities, thereby providing safer play environments and potentially aiding in economic growth.

Senator Young emphasized the importance of youth sports in promoting healthy lifestyles and teaching life skills such as teamwork. He stated, "This bill would empower communities to use existing grant resources to improve youth sports facilities for children living in areas of need, encouraging greater youth sports participation across the nation."

Senator Ossoff highlighted the need for improved facilities, particularly in his home state of Georgia. "This bipartisan bill will help Georgia communities expand youth sports facilities, strengthen local economies, and foster mental and physical health for the next generation," he remarked.

The proposed legislation aims to provide local governments, educational agencies, and nonprofits with more funding opportunities to develop these facilities. It will especially support rural and underserved communities.

The House of Representatives will hear companion legislation introduced by Reps. Bill Huizenga and Marc Veasey. The bill has gained backing from organizations such as the YMCA of the USA, the Sports & Fitness Industry Association, and Pop Warner Little Scholars.

The YMCA's Chief Government Affairs Officer, Jeffrey Britt, expressed support for the bill, citing its potential benefits to local economies and communities. Todd Smith from the Sports & Fitness Industry Association stressed the importance of access to sports for children: "Too many children are sidelined by limited access to sports and fitness facilities—denying them the physical, mental, and social benefits that come with playing sports and living healthy, active lifestyles."

Steve Strawbridge of Pop Warner Little Scholars highlighted the bill's alignment with existing federal resources without increasing spending. He said, "By expanding the Economic Development Assistance grant program to include investments in youth sports facilities, this bill will ensure every community has the resources it needs to create safe and accessible sports environments."

The full text of the proposed legislation is available for public review.