Getting girls involved in sports can have long-term physical and mental impacts, helping them stay strong, confident and capable. Park and recreation professionals are critical to expanding opportunities for girls in sports and helping bridge the participation gap across the country.
To better understand the hurdles and opportunities for increasing the number of girls involved in youth sports through parks and recreation, the National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA) partnered with Nike to launch extensive research. The research identified an alarming trend. Girls are not playing sports or staying involved in sports at the same rate as boys.
The research identified an alarming trend. Girls are not playing sports or staying involved in sports at the same rate as boys.
For many children, park and recreation youth sports programs provide their first chance to try something new, make friends and discover what they are capable of. These experiences may seem small in the moment, but they can have a lasting impact on a young person's confidence, sense of belonging and overall well-being.
Learn how NRPA and Nike are getting girls involved in youth sports and encouraging women to take on coaching roles.
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When park and recreation professionals build a girls-only program, it isn't just filling a gap in a schedule. It’s sending a message that girls belong here, that their development matters and that the community has invested in their future.
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What does it take to increase the number of girls participating in sports? On this episode of Open Space Radio, we explore how park and recreation professionals are creating programs that build confidence, belonging and lifelong participation.
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NRPA’s new Get Her In The Game: A Playbook for Parks and Recreation outlines strategies park and recreation agencies can use to expand access to youth sports. Aligned with NRPA’s Youth Sports Framework, the guide highlights five pathways where agencies and their partners can implement promising practices to address gaps to boost participation. Each pathway offers practical, adaptable ideas to meet your community’s unique needs.
Progress doesn’t require sweeping changes; even small, right-sized steps can make a meaningful difference.
To support your efforts in helping us Get Her in the Game, NRPA created an Activation Kit with all the resources you need to make a huge impact in expanding youth sports. Here's how you can help Get Her in the Game:
PHOTO CREDITS: Image 1: City of Los Angeles Department of Recreation and Parks; Image 2: Mike Patton, Chicago Park District's Move Like a Girl Fest; Image 3: City of Los Angeles Department of Recreation and Parks.
