Youth Sports Facility Act Introduced in Congress

A bill that would make youth sports facilities eligible for federal grants was introduced into the U.S. House of Representatives last month with nine co-sponsors.

The Youth Sports Facility Act of 2024 is a bill that proposes amendments to the Public Works and Economic Development Act of 1965 to support the development of youth sports infrastructure across the United States. It was referred to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure and the Committee on Financial Services.

The bill says it would “support youth sports and recreation to spur economic development, with a focus on urban and rural communities lacking facilities,” as well as “promote job creation through youth sports facilities and adjacent businesses that support such facilities” and “promote travel and tourism.”

The bill’s emphasis is on promoting youth sports and recreation, “which can mitigate the negative health impacts of sedentary lifestyles and obesity. By improving access to youth sports facilities, the bill aims to foster healthier communities.”

The bill is not expected to be taken up this year but could get reintroduced with the next Congress. Rep. Bill Huizenga (R-MI) introduced the bill with cosponsors Marc Veasey (D-TX), Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA), Val Hoyle (D-OR), Mike Kelly (R-PA), Sydney Kamlager-Dove (D-CA), Michael Lawler (R-NY), Mike Levin (D-CA), Don Bacon (R-NE) and David Joyce (R-OH).