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Young girls get into sport for the social aspect, to make friends. Before turning 10, logic and reason hasn’t fully developed, meaning ‘play’ is about fun and creating positive experiences, making the GoalGirls program the perfect launch pad for young girls to train together, set goals, and build a community in a supportive environment
Written by Tara Rushton
Promote their play: How to Support Young Girls in Sport
The almighty Matildas ripple effect, since the final ball was kicked, against England four months ago continues to leave a commanding impression. The power of sport, community, and belonging to ‘something’ that drives positive change and positive conversations has turned us all into sports fans, regardless of our age, experience, and background.
I enlisted Australia’s leading Sports Psychologist, Jacqui Louder, who has all the tips on how to support young girls in developing their goals and increasing their participation in sports.
Why Sport?
Sport brings us together. It makes us feel included and accepted. It’s also where we can build life-long friendships. For young girls, moving with others and joining a team is about connection.
How Young Girls and Boys Differ
According to Jacqui, the wiring in girls’ and boys’ brains is different. Young girls have communication centres on both sides of the brain, meaning they are typically stronger communicators, while young boys have communication centres on one side of the brain.
The effect: Young girls get into sport for the social aspect, to make friends. Before turning 10, logic and reason hasn’t fully developed, meaning ‘play’ is about fun and creating positive experiences, making the GoalGirls program the perfect launch pad for young girls to train together, set goals, and build a community in a supportive environment.
Move Together
As a mum of two busy boys, I can attest that carving out time can sometimes seem impossible, but it won’t just benefit our children, it will benefit us. Jacqui’s recommendations for keeping our children participating in sport include:
- Focus on participation over performance.
- Look for opportunities to move as a family (a walk after dinner, parking further from the shops and taking the stairs).
- Make your opportunities for movement together fun!
Stay Engaged
If our children don’t feel up to competing, they shouldn’t just drop out of the game. Jacqui’s key tip was to reframe ‘participation’ — young girls can remain involved in sport without having to be physical.
“Why don’t we change their role? They can coach, run the water, we can find ways to keep them participating until they feel ready to return.”
At this age range, between eight and 12, there are a host of changes to navigate – especially how the body is changing, and it’s our responsibility to make our kids feel comfortable, whether that’s a private place to change or a comfortable uniform. Providing options that accommodate all the changes these girls go through in these essential years can provide the flexibility and comfort to keep young girls in sport.
Seeing their parents enjoy the community too is an added benefit — so lean into your parent network for drop-offs and pick-ups so our young girls can remain involved.
Monitor Your Language
Participation is the measure of worth — not the result, so use language that focuses on how you ‘felt’ and what you enjoyed not ‘How did you go?’ Speaking positively about teammates and the opposition will help to set a strong, balanced example for young girls.
Join Our Community: Goal Girls
The free Goal Girls program, powered by Nike and rebel, teaches and empowers eight- to 12-year-old girls that through football training and goal setting they can feel strong, confident and part of an incredible community where everyone is welcome.
Ellie Carpenter hosts a range of digital football skills tutorials so register now to gain access. www.rebelsport.com.au/goal-girls