This newsletter issue documents the number of children and adolescents participating in sports and examines gender differences, barriers to participation, and benefits of sports participation. The largest number of participants is enrolled in agency-sponsored programs (45 percent), followed by recreational programs (30 percent). Gender data reveal that there is a persistent gap in youth sports enrollment figures between males and females, and that the lack of female coaches to serve as role models, counselors, and mentors of young girls in sports may discourage girls from participating in organized sports. Other barriers to participation include: restrictions on team membership, the organizational structure of sports in the United States, lack of competent volunteer coaches, and overzealous promoters. Benefits of youth sports participation include: better health through increased activity and skill-building; social development; moral development, especially with regard to delinquency and aggressive behavior; and deterring negative behavior such as gang membership. The report concludes with 13 recommendations to improve youth participation in sports. Tables present data on the percentage of youth enrolled in specific categories of sports; a survey of 1994-95 athletics participation; continued participation by age and sport; and pronouncements of professional organizations regarding youth sports. (Contains 96 references.) (ND)