At an early age, young women are often programmed to shy away from sports
and activity because they are afraid of being perceived as unfeminine, are afraid of failure or
being teased. As coaches, it is extremely important we recognize the stigma young girls have
when participating sport as well as the factors that hold them back. While you can’t stop every
online troll or social media post, you can make your squash lessons/clinic a place of security
and expression for young girls to reach their full potential and gain confidence.
Girls drop out of sports at 1.5 times the rate that boys do by age 14.
By age 17, more than half of girls will quit playing sports altogether.
GIRLS REASONS FOR DROPPING OUT:
- 39% to prioritize academics or other extracurricular activities.
- 21% missing out on their social life.
- 32% thought they were not good enough.
- 46% didn’t see a future for themselves in the sport.
