Colorado’s Most Popular Youth Sports: Trends & Insights for 2025
Wondering what sports are filling up fastest for kids in Colorado? Based on Skyhawks’ 2025 camp registration data across dozens of Colorado communities, here’s what parents need to know about the hottest youth sports this year – plus trends by age group and emerging favorites!
⚽ Soccer – Colorado’s Unstoppable Favorite
Why it’s hot:
✅ Most widely offered youth sport statewide
✅ Accessible for every community & budget
✅ Loved by kids 4+ years old
📊 Skyhawks data: Soccer camps across Colorado are among the first to fill. For example, a June camp near Denver had just 2 spots left weeks before it started!
🏀 Basketball – Year-Round Action Kids Love
Why it’s hot:
✅ Great indoor option for Colorado’s unpredictable weather
✅ Builds teamwork, coordination, & confidence
✅ Popular for both boys and girls
📊 Skyhawks data:
A Longmont basketball camp had 5 spots left with weeks to go.
Basketball is the #1 boys’ high school team sport in Colorado by participation and a top choice for girls, too!
🏈 Flag Football – Safer, Faster, More Fun
Why it’s hot:
✅ Focus on safety without sacrificing excitement
✅ Appeals to both boys & girls
✅ Parents love non-contact options
📊 Skyhawks data:
Denver-area flag football camps sold out completely, some with waitlists!
A Broomfield camp had 4 spots left, filling fast.
💡 Trend alert: Colorado is a leader in girls’ high school flag football, giving young athletes even more opportunities.
🏐 Volleyball – Spiking Popularity with Girls
Why it’s hot:
✅ Fast-paced & social
✅ Encourages communication & teamwork
✅ Big growth in girls’ participation
📊 Skyhawks data:
Boulder/Longmont camps for ages 8–14 were nearly full with 3–5 spots remaining weeks before starting.
📈 Volleyball is now #1 for girls’ team sports in Colorado high schools – and it’s catching on with younger kids!
⚾ Baseball & Softball – Classic Summertime Sports
Why they’re hot:
✅ Traditions like T-ball get kids started young
✅ Family-friendly leagues & events
✅ Builds focus and coordination
📊 Skyhawks data:
Lakewood baseball camp had 4 open slots left heading into July.
Softball continues to shine, with Colorado hosting major national youth tournaments like the Triple Crown Fastpitch World Series.
🌟 Emerging Sports & Trends
These up-and-coming activities are catching Colorado parents’ eyes:
🥍 Lacrosse: Camps near Golden & Thornton nearly filled with 1–5 spots left. Colorado lacrosse participation is growing ~10% per year in some areas.
🏓 Pickleball: Erie pickleball camps had 5 spots left – kids love the quick, easy-to-learn games.
🏉 Flag Rugby: A brand-new offering with flag rugby camps for ages 6–12 now appearing in Northern Colorado. Early adoption is slow but interest is rising.
🎨 Multi-Sport “Sampler” Camps: Mini-Hawk camps (ages 4–6) combining soccer, basketball, and baseball were extremely popular statewide, with many sessions filling fast.
🕹️ STEM & Play Programs: Camps blending sports + science concepts are new and exciting. For example, STEM & Play Flag Football teaches physics concepts alongside skill drills!
👶 Trends by Age Group
Ages 2–6: Start Young with Fun!
Programs like SoccerTots, HoopsterTots, and VolleyKats introduce basic skills.
Skyhawks runs many tots classes with flexible times – most still have open slots since they offer multiple sessions.
Emphasis is on play, not competition.
Ages 7–12: Specialization & Skill Building
Camps for this group are sport-specific and fill faster.
Basketball, soccer, flag football, and volleyball camps are among the first to sell out.
Many kids still rotate sports each season to stay well-rounded.
Ages 13+: Narrowing Focus
Teens start to specialize for school or club teams.
Opportunities include high school athletics, club teams, and new programs like girls’ flag football and competitive esports.
Retention is key: fun, social leagues help teens stay engaged!
🔎 What’s Ahead for Colorado Youth Sports?
Trends to watch:
🚀 Soccer’s growth remains strong, especially as Colorado hosts World Cup-related events in 2026.
👧 Girls’ sports, like volleyball & flag football, are booming with more participation than ever.
🩹 Safety-first options (like flag football) are driving new interest.
📲 Technology, STEM, & even esports are slowly expanding what “youth sports” means.
📊 At a Glance: Top Sports Filling Fast (Skyhawks 2025 Data)
| 🥇 Sport | Spots Filling Fast? | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| ⚽ Soccer | ✅ Mostly full statewide | Camps had 1–5 spots left |
| 🏀 Basketball | ✅ Nearly full | Camps had 3–5 spots left |
| 🏈 Flag Football | ✅ Often sold out | Waitlists forming in some locations |
| 🏐 Volleyball | ✅ Nearly full | 3–5 spots open in most sessions |
| ⚾ Baseball | 🔶 Steady but not as full | Camps 50–80% capacity |
| 🥍 Lacrosse | ✅ Limited spots left | New interest among 8–14 year-olds |
| 🏓 Pickleball | ✅ Limited spots left | Emerging fun alternative for kids |
✅ Conclusion: Why It Matters
Colorado’s youth sports landscape in 2025 shows a vibrant mix of tradition & innovation:
Soccer, basketball, flag football, and volleyball camps are leading the pack in popularity.
Newer sports like lacrosse & pickleball are finding an audience.
Multi-sport programs are in high demand for younger kids, helping them stay active and avoid burnout.
Whether you’re a parent looking for your child’s next adventure or a coach planning programs, these insights can help you make the most of Colorado’s incredible youth sports scene.
