Youth sports participation in the United States has declined in recent years, and one Pennsylvania business owner is urging communities to take action. Donald Deibler, Business Manager of All Stars Ice Cream and Cafe Bakery, is calling on families, businesses, coaches, and community members to support local youth sports programs. His message comes as federal data cited by the Aspen Institute shows that only 54% of U.S. children ages 6 to 17 played on a sports team or took sports lessons in 2022, down from 58% in 2017. The national Healthy People 2030 target is 63%.
For Deibler, the issue is personal. "Sports gave me something positive to focus on when I was younger," he said. "If we can help local kids have those same opportunities, that matters." Growing up in Donaldson, Pennsylvania, with his parents and five siblings, Deibler participated in sports throughout his childhood. Those experiences shaped his belief in teamwork, which he now applies as a business owner and youth sports coach. He volunteers as a coach and helps ensure his businesses contribute to local youth programs, including Tri-Valley Little League.
The importance of youth sports extends beyond competition. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, children and adolescents ages 6 to 17 should get at least 60 minutes of physical activity each day. Regular activity can support stronger muscles and bones, cardiovascular fitness, brain health, attention, memory, and academic performance. Organized sports can be one way for young people to meet those guidelines, but participation is not universal. The decline in team sports participation highlights a need for greater community involvement.
Deibler believes supporting youth sports does not require a major program or large organization. His own involvement has included coaching and supporting local teams through his businesses. He also volunteers at St. Peter's UCC. "A business is part of the community around it," Deibler said. "You have to remember the people who support you and find ways to support them too." That philosophy extends to his family's business, Dead Horse Beer & Burritos, which is owned by his wife. Deibler has supported his wife and family in bringing that vision to life, including stepping into the kitchen to help when needed. "I've always believed that you have to be willing to help where the work is happening," he said. "It doesn't matter what your title is."
Community members can contribute in various ways. They can volunteer with recreational programs, attend local games, coach when qualified, help maintain fields, donate usable equipment, or ask existing youth organizations what assistance they need. Parents and caregivers can encourage children to find physical activities they enjoy, whether through organized teams or informal recreation. The CDC notes that activities do not have to be highly structured and can include walking, running, bicycling, swimming, playground activities, and other forms of active play.
The goal, Deibler says, is creating opportunities for young people to participate and feel supported. "You don't always have to do something huge to make a difference," he said. "Sometimes it is giving your time, helping a team, or just showing kids that people in the community care." For those interested in learning more about youth sports opportunities, resources are available through the CDC and the Aspen Institute. Deibler encourages residents to contact local recreation programs, schools, churches, and youth sports organizations to find out where support is needed. The first step can be simple: identify one local need and decide whether your time, experience, or resources could help meet it.
