A podcast about youth sports, the parents, the players, the schools and the clubs. We explore the different stories, perspectives and add some of our observations over the years.
We use the name Judging Bouncing Balls because of the many times we have witnessed youth players misjudge a bouncing ball. We thought it humorous, and since we referenced it so many times in our broadcasts, we decided to make it the name of our show.
Here is our look at pay-to-play versus access. The costs are high, the gaps are real, and the conversation after this summer’s World Cup shows more people are paying attention. Host B:We want to hear from you. Have you seen effective low-cost or scholarship models in your area? What’s working — or not working — where you live? Email judgingbouncingballs@gmail.com (mailto:judgingbouncingballs@gmail.com) or leave a comment and review.
Next week we shift into the Recruiting Roadmap series, starting with the 2026 reality of roster caps, the transfer portal, and fewer true freshman opportunities.
Thanks for listening to Judging Bouncing Balls. Share this episode if it sparked a useful conversation, and we’ll see you next time.
Show Notes / References & Supporting MaterialPrimary Sources & Data
Aspen Institute Project Play – Family spending on youth sports rose 46% (2019–2024):https://projectplay.org/news/2025/2/24/project-play-survey-family-spending-on-youth-sports-rises-46-over-five-years (https://projectplay.org/news/2025/2/24/project-play-survey-family-spending-on-youth-sports-rises-46-over-five-years) Aspen Institute State of Play reports and participation/income gap data:https://projectplay.org/state-of-play-2025/introduction (https://projectplay.org/state-of-play-2025/introduction) Aspen Institute regional access research (e.g., State of Soccer reports covering cost and transportation barriers):Search “Aspen Institute State of Soccer” (NYC/NJ and related regional reports)Post-2026 World Cup Coverage & Pay-to-Play Criticism The Athletic – U.S. soccer’s ‘pay-to-play’ problem explained in World Cup context:https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/7435754/2026/07/10/pay-to-play-us-youth-soccer-usmnt-world-cup/ (https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/7435754/2026/07/10/pay-to-play-us-youth-soccer-usmnt-world-cup/) Sports Business Journal – U.S. Soccer’s pay-to-play model draws fresh criticism after USMNT exit:https://www.sportsbusinessjournal.com/Articles/2026/07/10/us-soccers-pay-to-play-model-draws-fresh-criticism-after-usmnt-exit/ (https://www.sportsbusinessjournal.com/Articles/2026/07/10/us-soccers-pay-to-play-model-draws-fresh-criticism-after-usmnt-exit/) Reuters – ‘Crisis’ in youth sports comes into focus after early US World Cup exit:https://www.reuters.com/sports/soccer/crisis-youth-sports-comes-into-focus-after-early-us-world-cup-exit-2026-07-16/ (https://www.reuters.com/sports/soccer/crisis-youth-sports-comes-into-focus-after-early-us-world-cup-exit-2026-07-16/)
1 Sept 2026
Episode #71 - Private Equity
In this episode, we discuss the impacts of private equity on youth sports, how it impacts families, costs and how it can help improve conditions for youth sports as well. We also discuss how families can protect themselves and their pocket books as well as some legal battles on the horizon around youth sports.
Links to items on the show:
NYT coverage of the $40B industry and PE interest: https://www.nytimes.com/2025/07/09/business/youth-sports-private-equity.html (https://www.nytimes.com/2025/07/09/business/youth-sports-private-equity.html)
Sports Business Journal on Unrivaled funding and portfolio: Search “Unrivaled Sports Dick’s” or related SBJ articles.
Aspen Institute Project Play spending data (ties back to last week): https://projectplay.org/news/2025/2/24/project-play-survey-family-spending-on-youth-sports-rises-46-over-five-years (https://projectplay.org/news/2025/2/24/project-play-survey-family-spending-on-youth-sports-rises-46-over-five-years)
Stateline / USA TODAY reporting on private equity scrutiny and Black Bear: https://stateline.org/2026/07/21/private-investment-in-youth-sports-draws-state-federal-scrutiny/ (https://stateline.org/2026/07/21/private-investment-in-youth-sports-draws-state-federal-scrutiny/)
Email us at judgingbouncingballs@gmail.com (mailto:judgingbouncingballs@gmail.com) or leave a comment and review.
17 Aug 2026
Episode #70 - Changes Coming
We discuss changes coming to the show, like more interviews, more on topics and less person items. This show is more about the experience of Amelia and Macie moving in, how you can encourage your student athletes and how you can balance being a parent and a fan.
If you would like to suggest a topic for the show, please reach out on our socials or email us at judgingbouncingballs@gmail.com. If you would like to be on the show to discuss youth sports, please email as well. Thanks for listening!
Reach and audience
Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.
YouTube views
2,498
Score snapshot 15 Sept 2025
Apple Podcasts (US)
5.0 / 5
5 ratings
Spotify
5.0 / 5
5 ratings
Podcast Authority Score: 66 / 100
A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.
Quality
77
Social presence
0
YouTube
68
Engagement
71
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