Girls and Sports: Fun, Friendships and Lifelong Benefits

By:  Maura L. Johnson

 On a late fall afternoon in the late 1980s, I found myself in my usual spot on the TV room couch at the DuBois YMCA, waiting for my dad to finish work. He had spent weeks trying to convince me to join the DuBois Dolphins swim team, which I continually refused. Having done lessons for years, it only made sense that I would start swimming competitively. Sitting there snacking, silently applauding myself for my resolve/stubbornness, I looked up to see a girl about my age standing in the doorway. She looked from me to the TV, asking “is this Heathcliff?” smiling and sitting down once I said yes. Once she told me her name and that she was there for swim practice, the rest was history. We spent over 10 years practicing, competing and traveling together as competitive swimmers. “Is this Heathcliff?” became something we’ve repeated to each other for nearly 40 years. Not only did swimming bring me to my best friend, it also provided structure, accomplishment, discipline and lifelong memories.

The benefits of sports and physical activity are well documented, including health benefits, sportsmanship, friendships, teamwork and a sense of belonging. In honor of this month’s issue being devoted to Women’s Health, I wanted to explore some unique benefits of supporting girls and young women in starting and continuing with sports. Certainly not every child wants to play team sports; what works for one child/family doesn’t always work for another. However, girls are at a significantly higher risk of leaving team sports prematurely, due to factors that may not typically affect their male counterparts.

Keeping girls in sports is about making sure that they not only have access to athletics, but also ensuring they feel supported enough to continue participating over time. Many of us may have experienced trying a variety of sports as very young children/with our own children, trying to figure out what’s going to “stick”. When it comes to girls in sports, participation often drops off around adolescence, though not necessarily due to a lack of ability. Often, it’s a mix of social, psychological and structural barriers that lead to a premature exit from a perhaps once loved sport.      

Girls are more likely to stick with sports when the focus is on skill-building, fun, and teamwork, not just competition. When the emphasis focuses primarily on competition, winning and comparison, many girls choose to leave. Strong family and social support, including coaches, play a pivotal role in maintaining interest in a sport or sports. Girls are more likely to stay when friends are involved/friendships are formed, coaches are encouraging vs critical and effort is emphasized over outcomes. 

During puberty, body image worries may also play a role in leaving sports. Around middle/high school, concerns about appearance, performance changes, or discomfort can cause drop-off. Access to proper gear, education, and supportive coaching helps girls push through this phase. Equal access and prioritization of female athletic programs is also crucial. When girls’ programs are treated as secondary to boys’, participation tends to suffer. It’s important to keep in mind that not every child wants elite, high commitment competition, as well. Recreational options through local townships and communities can keep girls engaged without burnout. Positive coaching culture is crucial to all youth sports and contributes to girls continuing to participate, as well. 

In addition to the childhood benefits of participating in sports, girls may experience lifelong personal, educational and career benefits. About 94% of women in C-suite executive roles report playing sports when they were younger. Generally speaking, girls who play sports are more likely to become managers or leaders in their future careers. In addition, many women report higher levels of leadership confidence, resilience and goal setting.

If your daughter(s) have been active in sport(s) and begin to express disinterest, it can be helpful to reflect on the variety of factors that may be influencing their decision. It’s not uncommon to simply reach an end point with sports or want to prioritize other interests. However, further exploration of the decision may uncover factors that can be processed and resolved, allowing them to continue with something they genuinely enjoy.