SPRINGFIELD — To ensure all young people have access to equitable and robust youth sports programs, State Senator Graciela Guzmán is leading legislation that would create a commission on youth sports under the Department of Human Services. 

“All children deserve the opportunity to play in a safe, supportive environment. However, without adequate or equitable investments, many young Illinoisans do not have those opportunities,” said Guzmán (D-Chicago). “Our state needs a youth sports commission to better understand how we can make youth sports programs more equitable and accessible, so that all children – not just those in wealthy communities – can make memories that will last them a lifetime.” 

Representing a historically underserved community and families with children who have been overlooked by state investments, Guzmán is passionate about equitable investment, especially in the next generation and programs to help them develop into the best versions of themselves. One such area is youth sports, where young people develop lifelong skills of teamwork, critical thinking, and leadership—as well as forming long-lasting friendships and talent in their sport of choice. Without equal access to youth sports programs, however, many children are robbed of these formative experiences, and can struggle with developing these skills in adulthood. 

House Bill 2418, an initiative of Laureus Sport for Good USA and championed in the House by Rep. Joyce Mason, would create the Commission on Youth Sports. This commission would submit a yearly report regarding its findings, including research and recommendations for how to make youth sports in Illinois more accessible to all young people, and equitably invested in. 

“Currently, more than 70% of young people drop out of sport by the time they are 13 years old – with dropout rates being highest for girls, LGBTQ+ youth, and young people from families with lower socio-economic status,” said Ben Schornack, Director of Sport for Good Chicago at Laureus USA. “This Youth Sports Commission provides a vehicle to reform the youth sports system in Illinois, ensuring that every kid has access to youth-centered, transformative sports programs.

House Bill 2418 passed the Senate Public Health Committee on Tuesday.