As women's sports continue to gain momentum, the importance of encouraging young girls to participate has never been more evident. Sports play a pivotal role in the development of young girls, fostering not only physical health but also critical life skills such as confidence, teamwork, and resilience. Engaging in sports provides young girls opportunities to challenge themselves, develop new friendships, and learn valuable lessons that transcend the playing field.
According to the Women's Sports Foundation, girls who participate in sports are more likely to have higher self-esteem and lower levels of depression compared to non-athletes. This correlation is supported by a 2024 study published in BMC Sports Science, Medicine, and Rehabilitation, which found that physical activity is significantly associated with improved self-esteem and higher self-worth.
And the presence of female coaches can be particularly impactful. The Go Out and Play: Youth Sports in America study found that women in executive roles partially attribute their success to the mentorship they received from their coaches. Female coaches not only provide technical guidance but also serve as tangible examples of what young girls can aspire to become.
Moreover, the same study highlights that 80% of female executives at Fortune 500 companies identified themselves as former “tomboys” who played sports. This statistic underscores the long-term impact that early participation in sports can have on leadership and career success.
Sports teach girls how to work effectively with others towards a common goal, an invaluable skill in both personal and professional settings. Sports provide numerous opportunities for girls to take on leadership roles, whether as team captains or peer mentors. And, facing challenges and setbacks in sports helps girls develop resilience, teaching them to persevere through difficulties and setbacks.
At 318 Foundation we believe in the transformational power of sports. Because of this, the 318 Foundation is launching its first annual Champions Academy, featuring a 1-week no-cost "Training Camp" and Coaches Clinic experience for 40 girls and 6 local coaches across Louisiana at Grambling State University, our SPORTS partner.
This first year, SPORTS will offer basketball as the inaugural sport with a comprehensive curriculum covering skill development, leadership courses, performance coaching, and off-court knowledge expansion on topics such as Name Image and Likeness, financial literacy, mental wellness, and recruiting. The goal is to provide a holistic experience that empowers female athletes with the tools they need to succeed both on and off the court, fostering personal growth, access to resources, and a strong network within the sports community. With a focus on enhancing skills, physical conditioning, mental resilience, and leadership abilities, the program aims to prepare athletes for success in basketball and beyond.
Join us in championing the next generation of female athletes and making a tangible difference in their lives. Your support at any level will help pave the way for their success.
Donate today at: https://www.318foundation.org/318-sports
References
Women's Sports Foundation. (n.d.). Her Life Depends On It III: Sport, Physical Activity, and the Health and Well-Being of American Girls and Women. Retrieved from Women’s Sports Foundation
BMC Sports Science, Medicine and Rehabilitation. (n.d.) (2024). Assessing The Impact of Physical Activity on Reducing Depressive Symptoms: A Rapid Review. Retrieved from SpringerLink
Go Out and Play: Youth Sports in America. (n.d.). Retrieved from Women's Sports Foundation
