A reader writes:

I want to add a couple of wrinkles that play a role in poor kids getting less access to organized sports. In my town, athletics at the middle-school level were eliminated in 2002 as a result of draconian budget cuts brought on by the post 9/11 recession. And “C team” athletics were also cut at the high-school level. Now, 11 years later, this means the only kids who get to play a sport without paying exorbitant fees are highly talented high-school kids. Younger kids either have to join a club team or play pick-up games. Greenya raises the obvious problem for poor kids in relation to the cost of those club teams.

But I’m guessing you will get readers who will write to you and say “poor kids can go play at the local empty lot/playground/etc.” I would point out that life in impoverished neighborhoods is often not safe, and while parents living in poverty may not be able to provide lots of athletic opportunities to their kids, they can provide safety by keeping them close to home.