At Sprint Active Education Limited, our mission is to provide exceptional sports and physical activity opportunities for primary schools across England. A crucial aspect of our commitment is increasing the involvement of girls in sports, thereby empowering them through physical activity. Understanding the positive impacts of sports on girls and addressing the barriers they face is essential for us to work collaboratively toward this goal.

The Importance of Girls in Sports

Sports and physical activity play a pivotal role in a child’s development, and this is particularly true for girls. Participation in sports can:

• Enhance Physical Health: Regular physical activity helps girls develop strong muscles and bones, maintain a healthy weight, and reduce the risk of chronic illnesses.

• Boost Mental Well-being: Engaging in sports can improve mood, reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression, and enhance overall mental resilience.

• Build Social Skills: Team sports offer valuable opportunities for girls to develop communication, teamwork, and leadership skills.

• Promote Academic Success: Numerous studies have shown a positive correlation between physical activity and academic performance, with active kids often excelling in school.

Despite these benefits, the participation rates of girls in sports remain lower compared to boys.

Why Are Fewer Girls Participating in Sports?

Several barriers contribute to the lower rates of female participation in sports, including:

• Society and Culture: Stereotypes and societal expectations often discourage girls from pursuing sports.

• Lack of Female Role Models: Exposure to female athletes and coaches can inspire girls, but the lack of visible role models can be a deterrent.

• Body Image Concerns: Puberty and associated changes can make girls feel self-conscious, impacting their willingness to participate in sports.

• Perceived Skill Levels: Girls often underestimate their abilities and fear failure or judgment in a sports setting.

According to Sport England’s Active Lives Children and Young People Survey, only 42% of girls aged 5-16 years are meeting the recommended 60 minutes of physical activity per day, compared to 48% of boys. Specifically, for primary school-aged children:

Only 17% of girls aged 5-7 meet the recommended daily activity levels.

Sprint Active Education’s Commitment to Inclusivity

At Sprint Active Education, we are dedicated to breaking down these barriers and fostering an inclusive environment where every girl feels empowered to participate in sports. Here are some of the initiatives we have implemented to support your efforts as teachers:

Girls-Only Sessions

Understanding that a supportive and comfortable environment is crucial, we have introduced girls-only sports sessions. These sessions are designed to:

• Create a safe space where girls can participate without fear of judgment.
• Focus on skill development and building confidence at a comfortable pace.

Specialist Female Coaches

Our girls-only sessions are delivered by specialist female coaches who are not only experts in sports and physical activity but also serve as positive role models. These coaches are pivotal in:

• Encouraging participation through their own stories and experiences.
• Providing mentorship and guidance to help girls overcome challenges both on and off the field.
• Demonstrating that women can excel in sports and leadership roles.

Inclusive Programmes

We have also developed comprehensive programmes that address various aspects of physical and mental well-being, ensuring that every girl receives holistic support. Our coaches employ a range of activities to keep sessions fun and engaging, promoting a lifelong love of physical activity.

A Guide to Encouraging Girls in Sports

Here are some strategies you can implement to encourage more girls to engage in sports at your school:

1. Create a Positive Environment: Foster an inclusive and supportive atmosphere where girls feel confident and comfortable to participate.
2. Highlight Female Role Models: Promote female athletes and coaches in your school and during activities to inspire the girls.
3. Offer Varied Activities: Provide a range of sports and physical activities to cater to different interests and skill levels.
4. Encourage Participation, Not Perfection: Emphasise effort, fun, and personal growth over competitive success to reduce fear of failure.
5. Engage Parents and Guardians: Inform and involve parents in encouraging their daughters to participate in sports.
6. Celebrate Achievements: Recognise and celebrate the achievements of girls in sports to boost their confidence and motivation.
7. Provide Proper Equipment and Attire: Ensure that girls have access to appropriate sports gear that makes them feel comfortable and secure.

By implementing these strategies, you can help create a more inclusive sports culture that encourages young girls to participate and enjoy the benefits of physical activity.

For more information about our programmes and how we can support your school in getting more girls involved in sports, please visit our school services page.

Join us in championing the power of sport for all girls and help us build a brighter, healthier future.

Contact Us

If you have any questions or need further support on how to get more primary school girls involved in sports, we are here to help.