Featured Research: Above the Rim
A High-Level Scan of Milwaukee’s Youth Sports Landscape
In 2020, the Milwaukee Youth Sports Alliance (MYSA) commissioned the Wisconsin Policy Forum to conduct a first-of-its-kind study of our city’s youth sports ecosystem. The resulting report, Above the Rim, provides a comprehensive look at the opportunities and challenges facing Milwaukee’s student-athletes, families, and providers.
Why This Report Matters While Milwaukee is home to a wide array of dedicated sports organizations, the report found that the landscape is often fragmented, making it difficult for families to navigate available options. Above the Rim identifies critical areas for improvement, including:
Accessibility & Communication: Addressing the gaps in how families discover and join programs.
Coaching Excellence: Highlighting the need for consistent, quality training across all sports.
Sustainable Funding: Navigating the philanthropic challenges that many local programs face.
Logistical Barriers: Identifying transportation as a primary hurdle to consistent participation.
Our Vision for the Future This research serves as a foundational roadmap for MYSA. It confirms that through enhanced collaboration and shared resources, we can enrich the youth sports experience for every child in Milwaukee, regardless of their zip code.
“Sports is a metaphor for overcoming obstacles and achieving against great offs. Athletes, in time of difficulty, can be important role models.”