Diversify until you fly

Caroline Kings, co-founder of We Are Girls in Sport, explains how introducing your daughters to many different sports from an early age can help to pave the way for sporting success in the future.

S we start a new year,

Awe often reflect on the last, and one of the highlights for We Are Girls in Sport (WAGIS) has to be the rise and rise of British tennis superstar, Emma Raducanu.

Emma thrilled us all at Wimbledon in 2021 and then went on to achieve the seemingly impossible by winning all her qualifying matches for the US Open (remember, she was just a qualifier) and then, staggeringly, the women’s US Open title, without dropping a set. Quite remarkable for a girl of just 18.

What we love about Emma’s story is her parents’ approach to sport and being active. They encouraged her to give many sporting pursuits a go – she tried dancing, horse riding, karting, motor cross and, of course, tennis – and this is what we tell our community is so important too.

If Emma Raducanu isn’t enough of a example of why trying as many sports and activities as possible is worth it, here are some other reasons why dipping your toe into an activity can make a big difference. at sprinting. They might not be as good at throwing as they are at jumping. But no one will know how good they are unless they have a chance.

3. Team vs individual sports Some people prefer to rely on themselves in a match, whereas others love the feeling of being part of a team. Girls need to experience both formats to work out which suits them. If you stick to one sport doggedly, your daughter won’t have the chance to experience any others and learn what they like and don’t like.

4. Transferable skills Recently, we interviewed former England Commonwealth Games fencer, Tamsyn Grieg (was Tremeer), who explained the similarities between squash and fencing. Both require agility – there can be obscure shots and moves that seemingly come from nowhere – and in both, of course, you’re on your own.

Tamsyn went on to excel in fencing, but the point is that she was good at squash because she had gained some of the skills from the other sport. The more sports girls play, the more sporting skills they will develop; they’ll be able to use those skills and that knowledge in the sport they choose to pursue.

5. Mix it up! By trying a variety of sports, you’re ensuring that being active stays interesting and engaging for girls. It doesn’t always have to be organised at a club either – just take them out for a run with you, head down to your local tennis courts at the weekend or get a group of girls together for a game of cricket in the park after school. You never know when you might just ignite a spark.

As another female superstar of 2021, mum of three and Olympic rower, Helen Glover says: “You can do anything you want to do. Trying and failing is no problem, as long as you try.” What can you try with your daughter this year?

1. Discover enjoyment in movement The most obvious reason why trying lots of different types of exercise is beneficial, is that girls are more likely to find something they enjoy. And enjoyment is critical to girls continuing with healthy habits. If they don’t like it straight away, persevere for a little while in case they change their mind, but if they continue to dislike it, try something else.

You never know when you might just ignite a spark

2. Find a hidden aptitude The more sports they try, the more chance there is of finding something they are good at. Your daughter might not be good at long-distance running, but great

Caroline Kings is a freelance writer and co-founder of We are Girls in Sport (wearegirlsinsport.com). Why not join their mailing list?