Many girls say their main reason for playing sports is to “have fun”. However, during adolescence, teenage girls often face challenges such as body image concerns, performance pressures, and peer influence that can deter them from staying active. In addition, there is a lack of female coaches to serve as role models and grassroots programs specifically designed for teenage girls to encourage them to keep playing and simply enjoy themselves. As a result, the dropout rate for girls in youth sports is more than double that of boys.
To address this issue, City Parks Foundation, in partnership with Nike, is launching Girls Forward, a citywide initiative to provide teenage girls ages 13-16 with a safe and empowering space to play and stay in sports. Dedicated instructional classes for girls in tennis, golf, track and soccer are led by female coaches at public parks throughout the 5 boroughs. Participants will also have access to special events, pro-clinics, motivational talks and workshops to develop self confidence and encourage their continued engagement in sports.
Girls Forward will launch this Spring with programs at select locations citywide. Girls are encouraged to register for multiple sports and share this opportunity with friends, family and schoolmates. Participating with someone you know increases the likelihood of staying engaged with the sport.
Women’s Sports Foundation: Do You Know the Factors Influencing Girls’ Participation in Sports?
Forbes: New Survey Links Playing Sports to Career Success for Women
Women’s Sports Foundation: Benefits of Sports Participation for Girls and Women
Contact the Girls Forward Program Manager elewis@cityparksfoundation.org.
At City Parks Foundation, our mission is to encourage New Yorkers to use their neighborhood parks by offering free environmental education, arts, sports, and community-building programs that bring people into their local green spaces. Please give now if you can—we know that city parks will continue to thrive when all New Yorkers get involved.
