Many girls cite “fun” as their main reason for being active. However, during adolescence, many teenage girls face challenges such as body image concerns, performance pressures, and peer influence. Unfortunately, there is a lack of female coaches to serve as role models and not enough grassroots programs specifically designed for teenage girls, creating a less welcoming environment for them to remain engaged in sports and enjoy themselves. As a result, the dropout rate for girls in youth sports is more than double that of boys.
To encourage more teenage girls to participate in soccer and stay involved with the game, we are introducing a new session this summer for girls ages 13-16 at all nine citywide locations. Led by female coaches, this program will offer a supportive environment for girls of all skill levels to make friends, build self-esteem, and most importantly, have fun! Additionally, participants will have opportunities for community service and paid jobs assisting with our classes for ages 8-12.
City Parks Foundation is excited to announce a new initiative this summer to encourage more teenage girls to participate in soccer and stay involved with the game. We are introducing a new session this summer for girls ages 13-16 at all nine citywide locations. Led by female coaches, this program will offer a supportive environment for girls of all skill levels to make friends, build self-esteem, and most importantly, have fun!
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
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.
