Little League International has announced its continued commitment to growing youth sports participation by partnering with the Aspen Institute’s Project Play 63×30 initiative and supporting ESPN’s Take Back Sports Campaign. Both efforts are designed to increase access to play and prioritize the well-being of young athletes, with a special spotlight during the Little League World Series tournaments this summer across ESPN platforms.
Together, these initiatives aim to restore fun, community, and inclusivity to sports at all levels, while encouraging multi-sport participation and removing barriers to play.
“As the trusted leader in youth sports, Little League is proud to play its part in supporting multi-sport participation for all children and growing access and opportunity for the next generation of incredible children,” said Pat Wilson, Little League President and CEO. “Together, as we continue to innovate and find new ways to support families across our program, the 63×30 initiative and ESPN’s Take Back Sports align directly with our organization’s core values and mission to positively impact youth and communities both on and off the field.”
The Aspen Institute’s Project Play 63×30 initiative has a bold goal — to have 63% of young people playing youth sports by 2030. With participation rates falling to just 54% of U.S. children ages 6-17 as of 2022, the program brings together more than 20 organizations, including Little League Baseball and Softball, to address affordability, promote multi-sport play, and develop quality coaching.
ESPN’s Take Back Sports, a year-long movement to get more kids back in the game, focuses on three main pillars: investing in youth sports organizations that break down barriers to participation; launching a national campaign with the Positive Coaching Alliance to strengthen the youth sports system; and sharing powerful stories about youth sports on ESPN platforms.
To further its impact, ESPN has committed $5 million to fund quality coach training, community recreational leagues, multi-sport participation, and programs that emphasize the importance of fun in sports.
Little League International is encouraging local leagues, families, and partners to join in supporting Project Play’s 63×30 Movement and ESPN’s Take Back Sports Campaign. More information is available at LittleLeague.org/ProjectPlay.
