S&PAProfessional / Autumn 2023
AGENDA GIRLS AND EXERCISE
esearch has found that many girls fall out of love with sport and exercise once they hit their teens. How can operators help them overcome the barriers and stay active? The success of England’s Lionesses has the potential to provide a much-needed boost to girls’ participation in sport, but the reality is that too many obstacles remain. A report published earlier this year by the charity, Women in Sport, showed that gender stereotyping is still rife and that girls’ sporting efforts are often overshadowed by that of their brothers. Sport, Stereotypes and Stolen Dreams, found that only 30% of parents think playing sport is very important for their daughters, whereas 41% believe it’s important for their sons. Parents also reported feeling less confident in supporting their daughters to be physically active. A previous study by the charity found that 43% of girls who considered themselves sporty at primary school had disengaged with sport once they reached secondary school. Although many understood the benefits of physical activity, they said they found it hard to motivate themselves. The main reasons given included a lack of confidence in their abilities and a fear of being judged by others. The physical changes of puberty and particularly the onset of periods was another disincentive – seven in 10 said they avoided sport when menstruating due to pain, tiredness and self-consciousness. “The Lionesses have shown us that girls are resilient, courageous and determined, and they belong in football,” says Lisa West, head of partnership, policy and public affairs at Women in Sport. “But still far too many girls are missing out on the joy and vital life skills that team sport can teach. Rather than being encouraged to achieve whatever they set their mind to, girls are
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surrounded by y messages telling them they’re fragile, weak and don’t like competition. Iff we’re to give them an equal chance we need ed to ensure there are re enough well-designed opportunities for girls to participate, led d by a workforce that understands nds their needs.” The Big Sister er project has provided one such opportunity. The collaboration tion between Women in Sport, Places es Leisure and Hey Girls, a period d product social
3,000
Over 3,000 girls partic participated in the project and 64% reported repor enjoying exercise more, with a similar percentage feeling m more confident about trying new things thing in general. BIG SISTER PROJECT
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Teenage Girls In Sport_31-Oct-2023_S&PA Professional.indd 24
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