Encouraging Girls’ Participation in Sport

Encouraging Girls’ Participation in Sport

I was recently fortunate enough to attend the Heads of Sport Conference. One of the keynote sessions particularly resonated with me and what we are trying to achieve regarding girls and their involvement in physical activity here at MLC School and into their adult lives.

“Evidence shows girls who play sport are more likely to graduate from secondary school, receive post-graduate degrees and earn more money. Globally however, Australia is ranked one of the worst performers for girls aged 11-17 years with over 90% surveyed reporting insufficient levels of activity.” – AISNSW

What are some of the barriers girls face when deciding to participate in sport?

  • Confidence/Lack of self-belief
  • Unaware of the benefits of playing sport (physical and mental benefits)
  • Feel like they are being judged
  • Body image concerns
  • Clashes with other co-curricular activities
  • Pressures of schoolwork
  • Perception that they can’t participate in sport when they have their period
  • Missing out on social activities
  • Brother’s compulsory sport takes priority over her sporting commitments

All these concerns can cause significant issues for girls that lead to their disengagement in physical activity. The impact of the pandemic has contributed to this disengagement, so it is critical at this time to encourage girls to be active. The pandemic and long periods of lockdown and illness has contributed to mental health issues including anxiety and depression.

We will be looking at these key findings to see what we can do as a school community to reframe sport for teenage girls. Put simply, we want the MLC School student to understand the benefits of an active lifestyle, enjoy being active either for competition or recreation and to be empowered by being in control of their active lifestyle choices. We want the MLC School students to be passionate and excited about their decisions to be active and to take this passion and excitement with them beyond their time here at MLC School and to be relatable role models for future generations of girls.

– Lisa Filby
Director of Sport