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Youth Sports in Parks and Recreation Summit

The first-ever Youth Sports Summit is set to energize the field at the 2026 NRPA Annual Conference.

Photo courtesy of City of Perris (California) Parks and Community Services Department.

Youth Sports Is Evolving. Help Shape the Future.

Join us for the first-ever Youth Sports in Parks and Recreation Summit at the 2026 NRPA Annual Conference in Philadelphia.

Together, we’ll explore emerging research, ways to strengthen cross-sector collaboration, and actions that revitalize recreation and drive meaningful, welcoming and transformative sports experiences for young people. Come ready to collaborate, share and learn. Leave with practical strategies, new connections and renewed momentum to advance the power of youth sports in your community.

Photo courtesy of City of Fort Worth (Texas) Park and Recreation Department.

Location: Philadelphia, PA (in conjunction with the 2026 NRPA Annual Conference*)

Dates: Sunday, September 27 – Monday, September 28

Cost: Member/Nonprofit: $160 / Nonmember: $220

*Note: Conference registration is not required to attend the Summit; however, separate registration is required and conference registrants must select this add-on to attend.

Registration for the Youth Sports Summit is now open. Space is Limited.

Click here to familiarize yourself with NRPA’s Youth Sports initiatives and resources ahead of the summit.

Who Should Attend the Summit?

The Youth Sports in Parks and Recreation Summit is for anyone passionate about creating positive sport experiences for youth, including:

Park and recreation leaders, including agency directors, youth sports managers and administrators
Youth sports nonprofits
League operators
Youth development leaders
Philanthropists
Policymakers

Photo courtesy of Neptune Township (New Jersey) Recreation and Public Works Departments.

Session Topics and Themes

We’re bringing together partners and leaders from across fields and sectors, as well as local Philadelphia sports leaders and youth, to learn together and explore strategies that are working. Key session topics and themes include:

Photo courtesy of Chicago (Illinois) Parks District.

Rallying Around the Power of Parks and Recreation
Changing the Game So All Can Play
Ger Her in the Game
Leveraging Partnerships to Drive Participation – A Conversation with the Major Leagues
Sports as a Driver of Positive Youth Development
Learning from Philadelphia – Building Community and Changing Lives

Building the Pipeline: Recruiting and Retaining Coaches and Officials
Parents & Sports: Creating Supportive and Positive Environments
Partnering with Youth to Shape the Future of Sports
Making the Case for Recreational Leagues
Small Towns, Big Plays
Building a Legacy Sports Culture
Reimaging Youth Sports Policy

Schedule at a Glance

The Summit unfolds during 1.5 days, blending inspiration, community voices and hands-on learning into a dynamic experience:

Sunday Kick-Off Event

Sunday, September 27 | 3 – 6 p.m.

Kick things off with a high-energy welcome from NRPA and Philadelphia leaders, as well as sports champions. You’ll hear from community leaders, coaches, partners and youth athletes in dynamic panels highlighting our host city’s youth sports ecosystem. Wrap up the day with a social reception where you can connect with fellow attendees.

Monday Full-Day Program

Monday, September 28 | 9 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.

Get inspired by keynotes, the latest research insights and candid conversations with leaders shaping youth sports through parks and recreation. Choose from panels and breakouts on fair and inclusive opportunities for all, coaching, belonging, facilities, recruitment, data, youth voice, partnerships and more. Close out with a unifying session with actionable takeaways to bring back to your community.