Mental health is a growing concern in Utah, with families expressing deep concern about access to support and resources. A 2024 community needs assessment conducted by Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Salt Lake highlighted mental health as one of the most pressing challenges families face at home and in the broader community. According to the National Survey of Children’s Health published in 2020, 1 in 7 kids aged 3 to 17 are diagnosed with anxiety, depression, or a behavior disorder, and The Children's Center Utah reports that 58% of children who receive clinical diagnoses do not go on to receive follow-up treatment or counseling.

These concerns, compounded by financial worries, a lack of widespread education on mental health, and difficulty navigating healthcare systems have left families searching for alternative ways to support their children. Youth sports programs serve as a proactive and preventive approach to mental well-being, helping children build resilience and develop coping strategies in a supportive environment.

A 2019 study titled ‘Association of Team Sports Participation With Long-term Mental Health Outcomes Among Individuals Exposed to Adverse Childhood Experiences’ found that kids who played team sports were less likely to experience depression later in life, particularly those who had experienced adverse childhood experiences such as household instability or trauma.

Dr. Easterlin and a team of researchers analyzed data from nearly 10,000 individuals and found that team sport participation was associated with significantly lower rates of depression and anxiety in adulthood. The structured nature of team sports and the social bonds provide a protective effect that supports long-term mental resilience. Team sports offer safe environments where kids can develop life skills such as teamwork, communication, and emotional regulation. When children engage in cooperative play, they learn how to problem-solve, build trust, manage frustrations, and work toward shared goals. These skills contribute to success on the field and to improved emotional well-being.

For parents navigating the complexities of raising children today, connecting with other families through sports can provide reassurance and shared learning experiences. Whether discussing parenting strategies, offering encouragement, volunteering as a coach, or simply cheering from the sidelines, parents who engage with their children's sports teams contribute to a community prioritizing health and wellness for children.

At Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Salt Lake, our programs are designed to be inclusive and accessible to everyone, offering opportunities for children—not just Club members— Pre-K to 6th grade to participate. We recognize that physical activity and teamwork are a key component of mental wellness, and our goal is to create positive, structured environments where kids can develop those mental health skills.

Linnea Aguirre, Athletic Director at Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Salt Lake for 19 years, shared how often she has seen children come out of their shells and grow their confidence in her programs, “I get to watch young kids learn so many valuable skills. These kids get better at a sport and learn to succeed in life in many ways. Learning teamwork, self-esteem, inner peace, learning to love themselves, learning how to win and lose, overcome fears, do better in school, make new friends, feel better and healthier, the list goes on.”

She has seen it over and over again, youth who are shy or struggle with focus or temper start to blossom on the court.

Our sports programs include:

• Junior Jazz Basketball: A beloved program that teaches teamwork, discipline, and the fundamentals of basketball while encouraging physical activity.
• Indoor Soccer: A fast-paced sport that promotes agility, coordination, and strategic thinking.
• Outdoor Soccer: A great way for kids to engage while enjoying Utah’s beautiful outdoors.
• One-Day Hockey Clinics: Introduced in September, these new events allow kids to experience the sport in a fun, supportive environment with professionals.

Each program provides children with opportunities to develop resilience, leadership skills, and a sense of accomplishment. More importantly, they offer a space where kids feel valued, supported, and empowered to reach their full potential. Sign up today at www.gslclubs.org/sports.

About Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Salt Lake
Established in 1967 in Murray and Sugar House, the Boys Clubs in Utah were among the first in the country to include female Club members. In 2015, the merger of the two Boys & Girls Club organizations became one of Utah’s largest youth development agencies. Now with seven locations in Salt Lake, Tooele, and Carbon counties, Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Salt Lake maintains an enrollment of nearly 4,500 youth and teens, and serves 1,200 each day in afterschool and summer programs, fulfilling our mission to inspire and empower youth to realize their full potential as productive, responsible, and caring adults.

To learn more about Greater Salt Lake Boys & Girls Club programs, please visit gslclubs.org or call (801) 322-4411