How local youth sports groups are making team sports more accessible to all kids

By Evan Dawson,

Megan Mack

Published March 9, 2023 at 2:44 PM EST

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Youth sports participation continues to decline since peaking in the 1990s. Only 38 percent of kids age 6 to 12 played team sports in the most recent survey, compared with 45 percent a decade prior. But groups like Southside Little League in the City of Rochester are working to bring more kids in. They see value in structure and experience for children – particularly for kids who come from disadvantaged backgrounds. We discuss their efforts. Our guests:

Roger Janezic, president of Southside Little League
Bruce Conrow, president of Eastside Little League
Paul Conrow, board member for Eastside Little League, and principal advocate for the Rochester Baseball Coalition

Connections Podcast

Evan Dawson

Evan Dawson is the host of "Connections with Evan Dawson." He joined WXXI in January 2014 after working at 13WHAM-TV, where he served as morning news anchor. He was hired as a reporter for 13WHAM-TV in 2003 before being promoted to anchor in 2007.

See stories by Evan Dawson

Megan Mack

Megan Mack is the executive producer of "Connections with Evan Dawson" and live/televised engagement programming.

See stories by Megan Mack