Everyone's convinced that the youth sports arms race is ruining our kids (and our country). Turns out the athletes themselves couldn't be happier. But do they really know what's best for them? Eddie Matz »
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POP WARNER DECLINE
From 2010-2012, Pop Warner saw participation rates drop 9.5 percent. Story » Starting Young 
Youth Football Sees Drop
PERMITS FOR YOUTH FOOTBALL SAFETY?
A New York City councilman wants a doctor at every game; trainer at practices Farrey » OTL
AGE AGAINST THE MACHINE
Dylan Moses, who committed to LSU at age 15, represents the new face of college football recruiting. Van Valkenburg » Recruiting home »
Rising stars retrace their journeys to the big leagues.
THE ATHLETE'S VOICE
Some of today's biggest stars including Kobe Bryant, Russell Wilson, Andrew McCutchen, Clayton Kershaw, Stephen Curry, Matt Kemp, and Allyson Felix, discuss some of the most critical issues facing youth in sports.
KIDS AND SPORTS TOWN HALL SPEAKERS
HOW SPORTS IMPACTED MY CHILDHOOD
These parents wouldn't sell their famous kids' gear, no matter how high the bid. Gallery »
See commentary from ESPN's best-known writers.
Say the words youth sports, and Americans assume the worst. They worry about parents and coaches who are out of control, kids who compete too young and communities that are being left behind. Yet the millions of families who flood the fields every day can't all be crazy. This summer, ESPN took stock of the most dominant force in American childhood outside of family and school. Go ahead, kick the dirt and argue with us. Whatever it takes to start the conversation.
Follow the conversation LIVE using #KidsAndSports and #ProjectPlay.
KIDS AND SPORTS: PHOTO GALLERY
Candid photos from ESPN's Town Hall on Kids and Sports, featuring President Bill Clinton and Kobe Bryant. Gallery 
PARENTS
ESPN The Magazine staffers surveyed 340 parents of youth athletes to discover that they are not as crazy as the cliche … but there are still plenty of crazy parents out there. Story »
TRAVEL TEAMS
ESPN collaborated with the University of Florida's Michael Sagas to see how the lives of elite youth athletes are impacted by their sports. Story »
YOUTH SPORTS GAMBLING
Eighteen months after "Outside the Lines" exposed adult betting on youth football in South Florida, police broke up a gambling operation. Lavigne » Watch 
Tips »
Arrests »
POOR GRADES?
Some high schools drop minimum GPA requirements for student-athletes. Lavigne » Former player not in favor of changes
CRITICAL MASS
The growing problem of childhood obesity. Mark Fainaru-Wada » Watch
