High school sports participation increases for 20th straight year

Despite cutbacks in funding in many high schools across the country, participation in high school sports has never been higher, as the numbers increased for the 20th consecutive year. The numbers even set records for both girls and boys participants – 7,536,753 – according to the National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS).  The association culled figures from the 50 state high school athletic/activity associations, plus the District of Columbia for its 2008-09 High School Athletics Participation Survey

10 Most Popular Boys Programs (Participants)
1. Football (11-player) 1,112,303
2. Track & Field (Outdoor) 558,007
3. BASKETBALL 545,145
4. Baseball 473,184
5. Soccer 383,824
6. Wrestling 267,378
7. Cross Country 231,452    
8. Tennis 157,165
9. Golf 157,062    
10. Swimming & Diving 130,182
– NFHS

10 Most Popular Girls Programs (Participants)
1. Track & Field (Outdoor) 457,732
2. BASKETBALL 444,809
3. Volleyball 404,243
4. Softball (Fast Pitch) 368,921
5. Soccer 344,534
6. Cross Country 198,199
7. Tennis 177,593    
8. Swimming & Diving 158,878
9. Competitive Spirit Squads 117,793
10. Golf 69,223
– NFHS

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