DEVELOPMENT OF THE CONTENT
UNDERSTANDING WHY TEEN GIRLS STOP DOING SPORT:
The decline in girls' participation in sport is a reality shared by many sports in all countries. Before looking at what can be done to reverse the trend, it is important to understand the reasons for this decline and why it is gender related. There are several reasons why teen girls may stop doing sports. Here are a few:
1. Social pressures: Teen girls may feel pressure to conform to certain gender norms or expectations, which may include avoiding sports or physical activity. Indeed, girls are often expected to be more passive and less competitive, while boys are encouraged to be more assertive and competitive. When a girl shows interest in sports and exhibits a competitive spirit, she may be seen as "too aggressive" or "unfeminine," and face social pressure to conform to gender norms. It may be related to culture. In some cultures, it may be seen as inappropriate for girls to participate in physical activity, or they may be expected to prioritize other responsibilities over sports. In that way, girls may feel pressure from peers, family members, or society to conform to gender norms that discourage them from participating in sports. They may also face harassment or discrimination from others for being involved in activities traditionally associated with boys.
2. Lack of support: Both young girls and boys can benefit from support when practicing sports. However, girls may face unique challenges and obstacles that boys may not necessarily encounter, and therefore, they may require additional support in certain areas. Research has shown that girls are more likely to drop out of sports and physical activity than boys, particularly during puberty. This may be due to a variety of factors, including societal and cultural norms that suggest that girls should prioritize appearance and femininity over athletic ability. Therefore, it's important for the teen girls to receive the support they need from coaches, parents, or peers. Without this support, many of them can feel like they are not good enough to take part and only the talented are valuable. When young girls receive support and encouragement from their parents, coaches, and peers, they feel more confident in their abilities and are more likely to continue participating in sports. Support helps them to believe in themselves, stay motivated and pursue their passion.
3. Body image concerns: During puberty, girls undergo significant physical changes as their bodies mature, which can affect their self-image and confidence. The pressure to conform to societal beauty standards, as well as the desire to fit in with their peers, can also contribute to body image concerns. Participating in sports can also
amplify these concerns, as the physical demands of the sport may make girls more aware of their bodies and how they compare to others. Additionally, girls may feel self-conscious about their appearance when wearing athletic clothing, which tends to be more form-fitting than everyday clothing. This can lead to feelings of insecurity, embarrassment, or even shame, especially if their bodies don't look the way they think they should. Teen girls may feel embarrassed about their bodies which can lead to a lack of confidence and a reluctance to participate in sports.
4. Lack of support and guidance on managing puberty and sport: many girls can feel unprepared for the start of their period, not knowing what is happening. Beyond the arrival of menstruation and the belly pains that may be associated with it, puberty also brings about other changes: the growing breasts, which can sometimes be painful, the hair that grows on the parts of the body that are visible when they are wearing sports clothes (legs, arms), the changing body odor. Some little girls are not prepared for these changes if they are not told about them at home or at school. All these unexplained changes can lead to the abandonment of sports.
5. Lack of female role models in sports: The lack of female role models in sports can have a significant impact on young girls and their participation in sports. When young girls do not see women succeeding in sports, they may assume that sports are not meant for them, or that they cannot succeed in them. This can lead to a lack of interest in sports and a decrease in participation rates. It's the same when girls do not see women athletes in the media or in their communities, they may feel like sports are not important or that they are not valued. This can lead to a lack of confidence and a feeling of not belonging, which can be a significant barrier to participation in sports.
Having female role models in sports can be empowering for young girls. Seeing women succeeding in sports can help young girls see that it is possible for them to succeed as well. Female role models can also provide a sense of community and support for young girls who are interested in sports, which can help to keep them engaged and motivated.
It is important to promote female role models in sports and to create opportunities for young girls to participate in sports. This can help to break down the barriers that prevent girls from participating in sports and can help to create a more inclusive and diverse sporting community.
6. Time constraints linked to lack of family support: As girls get older, they may become involved in other activities or obligations, such as schoolwork, part-time jobs, or caring for younger siblings, that leave them with less time for sports. They can suffer pressure to prioritize future goals from school or family. It is especially true if the family is not aware of the benefits for a girl to practice sports. They will be more likely to ask the girls to do
these tasks, hence the importance of meeting parents and explaining the benefits for their daughters to continue doing sport.
IDENTIFYING A YOUNG GIRL ABOUT TO DISENGAGE FROM THE SPORT:
As a coach of a young girls’ team or as a club manager, there are a few signs you can look out for that may indicate that a young girl is disengaging from the sport:
1. Decreased enthusiasm: when a girl who used to be excited and engaged about the sport suddenly seems less interested or enthusiastic.
2. Lack of effort: when a girl who used to work hard and put in effort during practices and games suddenly seems to be going through the motions.
3. Withdrawal: when a player who used to be social and interact with their teammates suddenly starts to withdraw and become more isolated.
4. Negative attitude: when a girl who used to have a positive attitude suddenly becomes negative or critical.
5. Inconsistent attendance: when a girl who used to attend all practices and games suddenly starts missing more frequently.
It's important to keep in mind that these signs may not always mean that the girl player is disengaging from the sport. There may be other factors at play, such as personal or family issues, injuries, or changes in schedule. As a coach, it's important to have open and honest communication with your players and to approach any concerns with empathy and support.
IMPLEMENTING A STRATEGY TO PREVENT GIRLS TO DROP OUT OF SPORT
Now that we have understood the gender-specific factors that can cause girls to drop out of sport and have learned to identify the signs of disengagement from sport, we will explain how to implement a strategy in your club through simple tools and actions to reverse the situation.
Indeed, as a coach or club manager, there are several strategies you can use to prevent teen girls' disengagement:
1. Create a safe environment for teen girls: Teen girls are more likely to engage when they feel safe and supported. Create an environment where they feel comfortable sharing their thoughts and ideas, and where
they can express themselves without fear of judgment. It is essential for their physical and emotional well-being. Here are some ways to make sure that the environment is safe and supportive:
• Ensure that the coaches and other adults involved in the sports program are trained and knowledgeable about creating a safe and supportive environment for young girls. The presence of an inclusion manager within the team is important so that he/she can coordinate this situation. It will be important to expressly communicate to young athletes and their parents that the club is specifically committed to creating a safe and supportive environment for young girls. It will be important to communicate in the club website/social medias and during a meeting with players/parents that the club is not just a volleyball club but a club where young girls can feel safe to express their emotions and expend their energy.
• Encourage girls to speak up about their experiences and provide them with a safe and confidential way to report any incidents or concerns. The girls need to be able to identify the people in the club who will be there to help them if they need it. Some girls may not feel comfortable at first. To preserve anonymity, a "idea box" can be set up at the entrance to the club where young players can leave a note to express their wishes, needs, suggestions for change, observations, etc.
• Make sure that the sports facilities are clean, well-maintained, and have appropriate safety measures in place, such as first aid kits and emergency protocols. It is important to provide girls with access to appropriate equipment, uniforms, and facilities, including changing rooms and bathrooms that are private and secure. For example, "kits" can be made available in the changing rooms for girls who forget basic necessities or useful accessories such as hairbrushes, deodorant, menstrual protection, sanitary products, shower gel, shampoo, elastic bands for tying up hair, etc.
2.
Adapting and
creating a supportive and inclusive team environment for girls:
Girls at this age are even more in need of an inclusive and positive environment to help them overcome the barriers and factors mentioned above. It is thus important to:
• Create a welcoming and inclusive team environment and discourage any kind of negative or exclusionary behavior: It's important for the coach to create a team culture that is supportive, respectful, and welcoming for all girls regardless of their skill level, background, or experience. This can be done by taking team photos at the beginning of the season and displaying them in the club corridors or changing rooms. The photo can also be sent to parents and children to make them proud of the sense of belonging.
Emphasize the importance of teamwork: Volleyball is a team sport, and it's important to emphasize the importance of working together and supporting each other to achieve success. This can help girls feel like they are part of something bigger and more meaningful than just their individual performance. Teambuilding games not necessarily related to volleyball can be organized at the beginning of some training sessions to remind the young girls that teamwork and communication are important. Some examples of team building games for a young audience:
1. For this activity, divide students into groups of four or five and give each group a blindfold. Students will take turns wearing the blindfold while the other members of their group give them verbal directions to help them navigate an obstacle course. The course should be constructed with play mats, piles of foam blocks and other soft items so it’s safe for kids who might bump into parts of it or even take a tumble. If the play space and obstacle course are large enough to accommodate multiple groups at once, this can be structured as a timed, competitive activity. Otherwise, groups can take turns and cheer each other on as the blindfolded students make their way to the finish line. This activity teaches kids about clear communication and the value of patience, along with their ability to listen closely and follow directions.
2. A hula-hoop will be placed on the end player’s arm, and the object of the game is to get the hula-hoop passed across the entire line of people, without letting go of each other's hands. This is a really fun activity that works on tons of coordination skills and enhances gross motor techniques. After all, it will take some inventive maneuvering to get the hula-hoop clear!
3. Have your students pair up side-by-side and hold hands. Then place a balloon in between the shoulders of each pair. The object of the activity is for the entire class to walk in a line without any of the balloons popping or falling to the ground.
4. The objective is to have students line up in order of their birthdays January 1 through December 31. To do this, they will need to know the order in which the months fall as well as their own birthday. They will also need to talk with one another in order to figure out who goes in front of whom. To make it super challenging, tell them they must do it without speaking at all, only using hand signals. Other ways to line up include by height, alphabetically, or by foot size.
• Encourage a growth mindset: Girls may be hesitant to participate in sports if they feel like they are not "good enough." It's important for the coach to encourage a growth mindset, emphasizing that everyone can improve with practice and effort. Moreover, while competition is an important part of sports, it's also important for the coach to focus on developing the girls' skills and providing opportunities for them to improve their technique and understanding of the game. At the beginning of each month or quarter, the coach can organize a quick
•
meeting with the team to set collective and individual goals for each player. Depending on the age, the coach can help the players to express these goals or make a list in advance to give them ideas. Beyond fostering a growth mindset, this will make them feel part of the team and the team's growth process.
• Provide positive feedback and recognition: Girls need to feel like their efforts are valued and recognized. The coach can provide positive feedback and recognition for their hard work and improvement, which can help to build confidence and motivation. Praise players for their effort and hard work, not just for winning or scoring points. Recognize when they are working hard and putting in effort, even if the outcome is not what they had hoped for. 5 minutes at the end of each training session, the coach can give positive collective (or sometimes individual) feedback highlighting what he/she has liked during the training and what can be improved in the next training session. It will be important to avoid negative language and criticism. Instead, the coaches need to focus on the positive aspects of their performance and give suggestions for improvement in a positive and constructive way. At the beginning of the training session, the coach can also dedicate 5 minutes to set achievable goals: “Today, the goal of the training will be to achieve this and that. Are you OK?” This can help them feel a sense of accomplishment and motivate them to stay engaged. Another idea can be that at the end of each season a diploma may be awarded in the player's name congratulating the player on her progress and reminding her of the importance of her role in the team. This can also take the form of a letter at Christmas or before a break of a few weeks to motivate them to return to training. In addition, they will be proud to show this recognition (diploma, letter, medal) to those around them.
During puberty, girls may face unique challenges that can affect their participation in sports. Here are some tips to foster girls' participation in sports while considering these challenges:
3. Taking into account puberty and educate girls about it: During puberty, girls may face unique challenges that can affect their participation in sports. Puberty can be indeed a confusing and overwhelming time for girls. Educate them about the physical and emotional changes they may experience and how exercise and sports can help them stay healthy and feel better can help to foster girls’ participation in sports. In some families, topics such as puberty may be taboo. They are also subjects that are not always dealt with at school. The club can then position itself as an educational actor where young girls will find the necessary resources to understand what is happening to them. For example, when they register, they can be given a booklet adapted to each age group to talk about "my body and what sport can do for me". This will be as useful for parents as for players. Or a poster could be put up in the changing room about body changes and puberty, also talking about the beneficial effects
of sport. A meeting can also be organized at the beginning of the season with a doctor specializing in adolescence to discuss various topics: menstruation, body changes, hair growth. This would make it possible to de-dramatize certain subjects. During puberty, girls may become more self-conscious about their bodies. Encourage a healthy body image and promote the idea that being strong and healthy is more important than conforming to societal beauty standards.
Moreover, due to the changes in the body, the hormones, girl's mood and motivation can be affected. However, sport can help to overcome this. To help girls express their physical and mental state, the club can set up a mood and physical state measurement tool. This can be integrated into the pre and post training routine: in a changing room or on a board in the club, before each training session starts, each girl places her label in the corresponding boxes. After each training session, the coach encourages the girls to update their physical and mental status by moving their tag. This can help them become aware of the benefits of sport:
- Mental state: Happy, motivated, excited, neutral state, angry, sad, not motivated.
- Physical state: Full of energy, a little physically tired, has slight pain, feel good (neutral state), a lot physically tired, has a lot of pain.
The coach can take a quick look at the scoreboard before training to identify possible problems and consider certain states of fatigue of his/her players and can adapt the training. Sport should be positioned as a tool to better cope with these changes as it can have a positive impact on the mental and physical well-being of young girls. Sport should not be seen as an activity that will accentuate the discomforts of adolescence. It is important to emphasize this explicitly in the various communication materials.
4. Providing young girls with female role models: Girls are more likely to participate in sports when they see female role models who have achieved success in those sports.
• Having female coaches and trainers can be a powerful way to provide role models for girls. It shows them that women can excel in sports and can be leaders and mentors in the field.
• Inviting female athletes from the senior team or from other sports or teams to speak to your team or provide mentorship can be a great way to provide role models for girls. They can share their experiences, inspire and motivate girls to participate in sports.
It is also important to invite the young player to a training or a match of a senior female team. At the end of the training/match, you can organize a photo session or an autograph signing session. You can also organize a system of a mentoring system between young girls and senior players. Each senior player can be the mentor of 3-4 young players.
• If the club has a senior team, it may be worthwhile to organize a communication campaign on social media with senior players talking about the benefits of playing sport as a woman, and be sure that the young players and their parents can have access to this campaign (through a newsletter, whatsapp group…). For instance, the senior players can say:
➢ Thanks to playing volleyball, I am fitter and I am not out of breath when I climb the stairs
➢ Thanks to playing volleyball, I feel stronger, and I can carry my backpack or heavy packages (shopping, parcels, boxes).
➢ Thanks to playing volleyball, I have more energy and I am more concentrated in my daily tasks.
➢ Thanks to playing volleyball, I am proud of my body, which allows me to achieve goals within the team.
➢ Thanks to playing volleyball, I can manage my emotions better which is useful at school, university or at work.
➢ Thanks to playing volleyball, I have a group of friends and I feel part of a team.
• The first female role model for little girls is their mother. It might be interesting to organize a joint mother/daughter training session once a month. For the girl, this will show that her mother can also play sports. The mother will better understand the sport her daughter is doing and will be able to support her more. This sets a great example to the daughters in terms of supporting their own physical fitness and benefits the mums by helping them to keep active. This mutual motivation is a great way for mums and daughters to build on their changing relationship as the daughters mature from children to young adults.
5. Encourage family support: Encourage parents and families to support their daughters' participation in sports. Emphasize the benefits of sports for physical and mental health and provide resources for parents to address any concerns or questions they may have. This can be done through an information meeting at the beginning of the season, through a debate on the benefits of sport for girls (as mentioned right after), through the organization of a mother-daughter training once a month (as mentioned before), or through recognition tools
•
such as the diploma, the letter, or the medal offered to the young girls to reward her for her commitment and thus make those around her proud (as mentioned before).
6. Emphasize the long-term benefits of volleyball for young girls: Help your players see that volleyball is a sport that they can enjoy for their entire lives. During a meeting at the beginning of the season organize a debate between players, parents and coaches about the benefits of playing volleyball for the girls. Talk about the physical and mental health benefits of playing volleyball, and the opportunities for competition, travel, and socializing that come with it. You can also print a poster that summarize all these benefits for girls and putting it in the club’s corridors or locker room. As a summary:
• Physical fitness: Regular participation in volleyball can improve cardiovascular endurance, strength, flexibility, and coordination.
• Teamwork and social skills: By playing volleyball, young girls can develop important teamwork and social skills, such as communication, cooperation, leadership, and conflict resolution.
• Confidence and self-esteem: As young girls develop their skills and improve their performance in volleyball, they can gain confidence and a sense of accomplishment. This can translate into increased self-esteem, both on and off the court.
• Goal-setting and time management: Volleyball requires a significant commitment of time and effort, both in practice and in games. By setting goals and managing their time effectively, young girls can learn important life skills that can help them succeed in other areas of their lives.
• Mental toughness: Volleyball is a sport that requires mental toughness and the ability to stay focused under pressure. By playing volleyball, young girls can develop resilience, perseverance, and the ability to handle stress and adversity.
• A safe way and place to express her emotions: Playing volleyball allows each girl to express her emotions and energy in a healthy, free and supervised way.
https://womeninsport.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/Tackling-Teenage-Disengagement-March-2022.pdf
REFERENCES
PART B. MONITORING PROPOSAL ACTIONS
OR DYNAMICS
ACTION 1
Name “Basic necessities kits”
Target group Clubs’ managers
Description/Deployment/Timing
• Some "basic necessities kits" can be made available in the changing rooms for girls who forget (or do not have at home) basic necessities or useful accessories such as hairbrushes, deodorant, menstrual protection, sanitary products, shower gel, shampoo, elastic bands for tying up hair, etc.
Achievements
It will help the girls to see the club as a safe and inclusive environment where they can feel good and where they can have access basic accessories useful to play sport that they don’t have necessarily at home.
ACTION 2
Name “Displaying teams photos”
• Target group Clubs’ managers
Description/Deployment/Timing
Organizing a team photo session and display these photos in the club corridors or changing rooms to increase the sense of belonging.
We suggest sending the photo to each family as well to make them realize the sense of belonging and be proud of it.
Achievements
It will help the girls to see the club as welcoming and inclusive team environment, will discourage any kind of exclusionary behaviours, and will increase the sense of belonging of these girls and their families.
ACTION 3
Name “Teambuilding games”
• Target group Coaches
Description/Deployment/Timing
- Please find some activities “Team building”, which can be done once a month for instance at the beginning of training sessions:
o 1) For this activity, divide the girls into groups of four or five and give each group a blindfold. The players will take turns wearing the blindfold while the other members of their group give them verbal directions to help them navigate an obstacle course. The course should be constructed with play mats, piles of foam blocks and other soft items so it’s safe for kids who might bump into parts of it or even take a tumble. If the play space and obstacle course are large enough to accommodate multiple groups at once, this can be structured as a timed, competitive activity. Otherwise, groups can take turns and cheer each other on as the blindfolded students make their way to the finish line. This activity teaches kids about clear communication and the value of patience, along with their ability to listen closely and follow directions.
o 2) A hula-hoop will be placed on the end player’s arm, and the object of the game is to get the hula-hoop passed across the entire line of people, without letting go of each other's hands. This is a really fun activity that works on tons of coordination skills and enhances gross motor techniques. After all, it will take some inventive maneuvering to get the hula-hoop clear!
o 3) Have your players pair up side-by-side and hold hands. Then place a balloon in between the shoulders of each pair. The object of the activity is for the entire class to walk in a line without any of the balloons popping or falling to the ground.
o 4) The objective is to have players line up in order of their birthdays January 1 through December 31. To do this, they will need to know the order in which the months fall as well as their own birthday. They will also need
to talk with one another in order to figure out who goes in front of whom. To make it super challenging, tell them they must do it without speaking at all, only using hand signals. Other ways to line up include by height, alphabetically, or by foot size.
Achievements
It will emphasize the importance of teamwork. This can help girls feel like they are part of something bigger and more meaningful than just their individual performance. That will help the girls to feel themselves in a welcoming and inclusive environment.
General coach’s attitude
The coach should encourage communication and teamwork. He must balance the roles when leaders take over too much or when a player is left out.
ACTION 4
Name “Encouraging a growth mindset”
Target group Coaches
Description/Deployment/Timing
- At the beginning of each month or quarter, the coach can organize a quick meeting with the team to set collective and individual goals for each player. Depending on the age, the coach can help the players to express these goals or make a list in advance to give them ideas.
Achievements
Girls may be hesitant to participate in sports if they feel like they are not "good enough." It's important for the coach to encourage a growth mindset, emphasizing that everyone can improve with practice and effort. Beyond fostering a growth mindset, this will make them feel part of the team and the team's growth process.
General coach’s attitude
The coach should encourage the players to set their own individual goals. They should set collective goals that are achievable, while keeping in mind the goal of having fun. They should encourage the girls to want to achieve these goals.
ACTION 5
Name “Positive feedback policy”
Target group Coaches & clubs’ managers
Description/Deployment/Timing
- COACHES: 5 minutes at the end of each training session, the coach gives positive collective (or sometimes individual) feedback highlighting what he/she has liked during the training and what can be improved in the next training session.
- CLUBS’ MANAGERS: at the end of each season a diploma may be awarded in the player's name congratulating the player on her progress and reminding her of the importance of her role in the team. This can also take the form of a letter at Christmas or before a break of a few weeks to motivate them to return to training. In addition, they will be proud to show this recognition (diploma, letter, medal) to those around them.
Achievements
Girls need to feel like their efforts are valued and recognized. That will help to build confidence and motivation. General coach’s attitude
It will be important to avoid negative language and criticism. Instead, the coaches need to focus on the positive aspects of their performance and give suggestions for improvement in a positive and constructive way.
ACTION 6
Name “Education about puberty”
Target group Clubs’ managers
Description/Deployment/Timing
- The club can then position itself as an educational actor where young girls will find the necessary resources to understand what is happening to them. For example:
Achievements
o when they register, they can be given a booklet adapted to each age group to talk about "my body and what sport can do for me". This will be as useful for parents as for players.
o Or a poster could be put up in the changing room about body changes and puberty, also talking about the beneficial effects of sport.
o A meeting can also be organized at the beginning of the season with a doctor specialized in adolescence to discuss various topics: menstruation, body changes, hair growth. This would make it possible to de-dramatize certain subjects.
During puberty, girls may face unique challenges that can affect their participation in sports if no one inform them about what is happening to them. That will help them to understand and face these changes in a safe environment.
ACTION 7
Name “Mood and physical state measurement tool”
Target group Coaches
Description/Deployment/Timing
To help girls express their emotional and mental state, the club can set up a mood measurement tool. This can be integrated into the pre and post training routine: in a changing room or on a board in the club, before each training session starts, each girl places her label in the corresponding boxes. After each training session, the coach encourages the girls to update their mental status by moving their tag. This can help them become aware of the benefits of sports. The coach can take a quick look at the scoreboard before training to identify possible problems and consider certain states of fatigue of his/her players and can adapt the training.
Achievements
Due to the changes in the body, the hormones, girl's mood and motivation can be affected. However, sport can help to overcome this. It will be useful to show them that sport can modify their mood state in a good way. It will be a good exercise as well to help them to identify their emotions.
Sport should be positioned as a tool to better cope with these changes as it can have a positive impact on the mental and physical well-being of young girls.
General coach’s attitude
The coach must take into account the emotions of these players and encourage the identification of emotions. He/she can help them, depending on their age, with simple questions. At the end of the session, he/she should help them to see the evolution of their mood and underline the benefits of sport to disconnect and improve our mental state.
ACTION 8
Name “Female mentorship”
Target group Club’s managers and coaches
Description/Deployment/Timing
• Inviting female athletes from the senior team or from other sports or teams to speak to your team or provide mentorship can be a great way to provide role models for girls. They can share their experiences, inspire, and motivate girls to participate in sports.
• It is also important to invite the young player to a training or a match of a senior female team. At the end of the training/match, you can organize a photo session or an autograph signing session. You can also organize a system of a mentoring system between young girls and senior players. Each senior player can be the mentor of 3-4 young players.
Achievements
It will give the girls some role models and show them that playing sport as a woman is possible.
ACTION 9
Name Communication campaign about the benefits of playing sport as a woman
Target group Clubs’ managers
Description/Deployment/Timing
If the club has a senior team, it may be worthwhile to organize a communication campaign on social media with senior players talking about the benefits of playing sport as a woman and be sure that the young players and their parents can have access to this campaign (through a newsletter, WhatsApp group…). For instance, the senior players can say:
➢ Thanks to playing volleyball, I am fitter, and I am not out of breath when I climb the stairs
➢ Thanks to playing volleyball, I feel stronger, and I can carry my backpack or heavy packages (shopping, parcels, boxes).
➢ Thanks to playing volleyball, I have more energy and I am more concentrated in my daily tasks.
➢ Thanks to playing volleyball, I am proud of my body, which allows me to achieve goals within the team.
➢ Thanks to playing volleyball, I can manage my emotions better which is useful at school, university or at work.
➢ Thanks to playing volleyball, I have a group of friends and I feel part of a team.
Achievements
It will underline the benefits of playing sport as a woman, and it will be useful for the girls and their parents. Indeed if everyone understand what sports can bring to them that will help to prevent the disengagement in sport.
ACTION 10
Name “Mother-daughter training”
Target group Clubs’ managers and coaches
Description/Deployment/Timing
Organize a joint mother/daughter training session once a month.
Achievements
The first female role model for little girls is their mother. For the girl, this will show that her mother can also play sports. The mother will better understand the sport her daughter is doing and will be able to support her more. This sets a great example to the daughters in terms of supporting their own physical fitness and benefits the mums by helping them to keep active. This mutual motivation is a great way for mums and daughters to build on their changing relationship as the daughters mature from children to young adults.
General coach’s attitude
The attitude of the coaches should be inclusive and motivating, encouraging the girls to explain the exercises to the mothers so that they are proud to show them the sport they are doing.
ANNEXES
https://womeninsport.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/Tackling-Teenage-DisengagementMarch-2022.pdf
https://womeninsport.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/Puberty-PP.pdf
https://www.gmmoving.co.uk/media/2544/women-in-sport-teenage-girls-dropping-out-ofsport-and-pa.pdf
Video “Puberty & Sport: An Invisible Stage- Sport Changes”: https://vimeo.com/287257002
https://womeninsport.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/8-Principles-for-Success.pdf
https://womeninsport.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/A-Guide-to-Applying-the-8Principles-for-Success-FINAL.pdf
Mothers and daughters bond: https://womeninsport.org/wpcontent/uploads/2019/04/Beacon-Mums-Daughters-Cricket-Team-FINAL.pdf
