Study finds the hidden cost of raising a young athlete

One in six parents of kids who play sports believe they’re raising the next pro athlete, according to new research.

A survey of 4,150 respondents split between athletes, parents and coaches of youth athletes looked at sentiments around what sports look like right now. Seventy-two percent think that youth sports today feel more professional than recreational, with coaches experiencing this boost in intensity firsthand (85%).

With all of the work put in, two-thirds of parents think their child is above average (68%) — some even claiming that their child is destined for sports stardom (17%).

Conducted by Talker Research for BSN SPORTS, the survey found that all things considered, 92% would encourage young athletes to pursue sports, especially coaches (96%) and athletes (94%).