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Tobacco-Free Sports Initiatives

Introduction to Tobacco-Free Sports

If current youth tobacco use trends continue, 6.4 million of today’s young people will die from tobacco-related diseases. Nearly all first-time tobacco use occurs before high school graduation. This suggests that if kept tobacco-free, most youth will never start using tobacco.

Youth sports continue to be popular in the United States. Sports activities, therefore, present great opportunities to reach young people. Young athletes learn to make important health decisions related to tobacco use, physical activity, and good nutrition while on a sports team.

Tobacco-Free Sports Movement Gains Momentum

Many high-profile athletes, coaches, agencies, and organizations joined CDC’s tobacco-free sports movement.

Agencies and organizations that support tobacco-free sports include CDC, World Health Organization (WHO), National Cancer Institute, National Clearinghouse for Alcohol and Drug Information, National SAFE KIDS Campaign, International Olympic Committee, Federation Internationale de Football Association (FIFA), and many other sports leagues and youth organizations.

Because of this strong support, the tobacco-free sports movement is gaining momentum in many different sports arenas.

CDC welcomes your participation in the effort to promote sports participation as a healthy and positive alternative to tobacco use.

Tobacco-Free Sports Information Sheets

Sports Initiative Materials

The Tobacco-Free Sports Playbook: Creating Programs for Healthier Youth, Teams, and Communities

The Tobacco-Free Sports Playbook

Tobacco-Free Soccer Coach's Manual

Tobacco Free Soccer Coach's Manual

Soccer: Kickin' Butts

A teen documentary produced by the Emmy award winning PBS program "In the Mix."

Sports Initiative Posters

 

Page last reviewed 08/20/2008
Page last modified 08/20/2008