Keeping Girls Active

Girls’ participation in sport often drops sharply during puberty, not because of individual choices, but because environments have not typically been designed with girls in mind.

Pressure to look a certain way, fear of judgement, stigma around periods,and unequal experiences for girls from different backgrounds all add up to make girls feel that sport isn’t for them.

Girls’ positive mental health drops significantly during these crucial years and without sport in their life, they are left without one of the most powerful outlets that could help them.

We must support girls better through this time.

This toolkit aims to do just that:

  1. Help community clubs and organisations run sessions where girls feel safe and welcome
  2. Give simple, practical guidance that busy coaches and volunteers can use straight away

And the best part?

  • It takes just 10 minutes
  • It’s completely free
  • You will receive personalised tips and recommendations immediately

Create your free account

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Your answers and results will not be shared with anyone and all data is only used internally.

How this toolkit works

  1. Register: Create a quick login so your progress and results can be saved.
  2. Complete the Self-Assessment: Take the short survey to reflect on your current practice.
  3. Receive tailored guidance: Based on your answers, you’ll receive personalised suggestions and be directed to the most relevant resources
  4. Revisit anytime: Revisit the toolkit as your offer evolves. Update your answers, track progress and unlock new resources.

8 ways to better engage girls

These 8 areas, born out of research by Women in Sport, the Youth Sport Trust and Street Games, address the key areas affecting girls’ enjoyment of sport. When you take our survey, you will receive personalised guidance and resources based on each area.

1

Address Puberty Barriers: Tackle physical, practical and emotional challenges

2

Build belonging: Build belief, self-worth and emotional safety

3

Make it Relevant: Ensuring provision reflects girls’ lives and realities

4

Empower Girls: Amplify voice, agency and self-advocacy

5

Create Safe Spaces: Physical, emotional and cultural safety

6

Recognise and Reward: Valuing effort, progress and contribution

7

Prepare and Support the Right People: Ensure the right adults have the right skills

8

Ensure Consistency and Sustainability: Embed good practice long term

The Female Physical Activity Puberty Group

The Female Puberty Group