Transcript:

In July, at a professional soccer game in New York City, athletes sweltered in above 90-degree weather and smoke from Canadian wildfires filled the air.

Even star player Trinity Rodman seemed to struggle in the conditions.

Schmitz: “During halftime, she had to take an oxygen mask and was clearly exhausted.”

Samantha Schmitz works with Moms Clean Air Force and the Environmental Defense Fund.

She says Rodman is a pro athlete in peak shape. And her team has medical staff on hand, ready to help out.

But kids who play sports rarely have access to these resources. And their young bodies are at greater risk of heat-related illness or respiratory problems.

Schmitz: “There’s almost 5 million American kids that have asthma. So when they’re dealing with both heat and wildfire smoke, it’s just a terrible cocktail for their lungs, their hearts.”

So as climate change causes more extreme weather, she says schools and youth leagues should have plans for canceling or modifying activities when conditions are hazardous.

Moms Clean Air Force is also urging Congress to create heat and air quality safety guidance for youth sports.

And Schmitz says parents can be important advocates – calling attention to the dangers their kids face, and pushing for solutions to keep them safe.

Reporting credit: Sarah Kennedy / ChavoBart Digital Media