More Than a Game: What Sports Give Girls Beyond the Court

When we talk about getting more girls involved in sports, it can be easy to focus on competition: winning matches, making a team, or becoming a better athlete.

But that is only a small part of what sports can actually give girls. Research from the Women’s Sports Foundation found that girls who participate in sports in positive, supportive environments report lower levels of anxiety and depression, along with stronger friendships and a greater sense of purpose. In fact, girls who had never participated in sports were almost twice as likely to report moderate-to-high levels of anxiety or depression compared with girls currently playing sports.

Sports can also teach skills that last much longer than a season. Another Women’s Sports Foundation study found that 67% of women who played sports said they carried lessons from sports into adulthood. Some of the most common skills they gained were teamwork, learning from mistakes, and handling pressure. Nearly half also said the skills they developed through sports contributed to their leadership abilities.

That is why giving girls access to sports matters even if they never plan on becoming serious athletes. At EcoServe Tennis, our goal is not to find the next professional tennis player every time we put a racquet in a girl’s hand. It is about giving her the chance to try something new, gain confidence, meet other kids, learn from mistakes, and feel like she belongs on the court. A tennis lesson can seem like something small. But the confidence and skills a girl takes away from it can follow her far beyond tennis.

Sources

• Women’s Sports Foundation — Thriving Through Sport: The Transformative Impact on Girls’ Mental Health

• Women’s Sports Foundation — Play to Lead: The Generational Impact of Sport on Women’s Leadership