KEEPING GIRLS IN THE GAME

The Needs Of Young Women Are Unique When It Comes To Sport And Recreation

Sport New Zealand is on a mission to make sport and recreation more accessible to young women. It starts by understanding what motivates teenagers, and it’s not always about winning! As a parent, teacher, coach, or volunteer - how can you help attract more girls to your code?

HOW CAN ADULTS SUPPORT YOUNG WOMEN TO TRY NEW SPORTS AND FEEL COMFORTABLE TAKING PART?

HERE ARE SEVEN TIPS TO CONSIDER.

Overall Wellbeing

Being active has many benefits, however young women can find their experiences negative rather than positive when pressure to succeed mounts. It’s important to view physical activity through a wellbeing lens. Physical and mental wellbeing is not always achieved by being on a winning team or achieving great performances.

Safe Environments

Taking part in sport and active recreation should result in young women feeling safe and free to express themselves. Seeking out and building environments that are free from pressure and judgement will ultimately result in more teenage girls taking part for longer.

IT’S THEIR MOVE LEADERSHIP

Life pressures start to mount in the late teenage years due to academics, as well as home, work, and social commitments. It is common for young women to start exploring other physical activity options that better suit these lifestyle changes. However they choose to move, move with it! Remember that some physical activity is better than none.

Provide opportunities for young women to shape their physical activity experiences. Ask them what they enjoy, what they want to do more of, and offer them opportunities to take the lead.