What is
Project SPARK?
A research‑informed guide for parents to helping kids build a lifelong love of movement
It translates credible research into clear, practical guidance so families can support healthy, joyful movement through childhood and beyond.
Project SPARK brings extensive research & evidence‑based ideas into the YMCA community—helping families:
- Understand what physical literacy looks like at different ages,
- Support their child’s development without unnecessary pressure,
- Keep doors open for both lifelong health and competitive success
Why Project SPARK Is Credible?
Project SPARK is grounded in well‑established, nationally recognized research and frameworks by trusted non‑profit and public‑sector sources that guide healthy youth sports participation.
Evidence‑Based Frameworks:
- These frameworks are widely used by educators, sports organizations, and policymakers to support safe, inclusive, and developmentally appropriate sports environments.
- The Aspen Institute’s Project Play, a research‑based initiative the signature initiative of the Aspen Institute’s Sports & Society Program, focused on bringing together leaders across the sports ecosystem to create healthy, long‑term sports participation for youth
- The U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Committee’s American Development Model (ADM), which outlines age‑appropriate stages for youth athletic development and emphasizes multi‑sport participation
- The National Youth Sports Strategy from the Office of Disease Prevention & Health Promotion (ODPHP), which promotes positive, equitable youth sports experience. OPDHP is part of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services under the Office of the Assistant Secretary for Health
- Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans, 2nd Edition developed by the Center for Disease Control (CDC) that provide evidence‑based recommendations on the amount and types of physical activity needed across the lifespan to promote health and reduce the risk of chronic disease
The ASPEN Institutes Children Bill of Rights in Sports
Are you interested in enhancing the availability and quality of youth sports programs? Learn more here!
Hear from a local D1 committed athlete on her experiences with youth sports sampling and specialization!
Join our
SPARK Days
Hear from professional athletes while your children attend fun, supervised play sessions
