Research
Women's Sports Foundation Published Reports
Addressing the Health and Physical Activity Needs of Girls in the Boston Metropolitan AreaDid you know? Only
one-third of Boston female high school students participate on a sports team compared to
over half of Boston male high school students. There is a pressing need for increased physical activity in the lives of Boston girls. Movement and activity have wide-reaching positive effects on a girl’s life, reducing risky health behaviors and and health problems. For research on the state of activity for Boston girls, download the benchmark Women’s Sports Foundation Report that was unveiled at our 2007 GoGirlGo! Boston Launch.
Her Life Depends on it: Sport, Physical Activity and the Health and Well-Being of American GirlsRead additional research on the activity levels and well-being of American Girls in this report, published by the Women’s Sports Foundation in May 2004. It includes sections on preventing chronic disease as well as the mental, sexual and reproductive aspects of health, substance use and athletic participation.
Articles and Reports
New York Times As Girls Become Women, Sports Pay Dividends
"A large body of research shows that sports are associated with all sorts of benefits, like lower teenage pregnancy rates, better grades and higher self-esteem. But until now, no one has determined whether those improvements are a direct result of athletic participation... Now, separate studies from two economists offer some answers, providing the strongest evidence yet that team sports can result in lifelong improvements to educational, work and health prospects
."
Robert Kaestner and Xin Xu's Title IX, Girls' Sports Participation, and Adult Female Physical Activity and Weight"Arguably, the most important school-based intervention to increase physical activity was Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, which led to a 600% increase in girls’ sports participation between 1972 and 1978. We studied the effect of this increase in sports participation and athletic opportunities while young on the physical activity and weight of adult women some 20–25 years later. Our results indicate that adult women who
were affected by Title IX and had greater opportunity to participate in athletics while young had lower body mass index (BMI) and lower rates of obesity and reported being more physically active than women who were not afforded these opportunities. However, effect sizes were quite modest."
Resources
What GoGirlGo! Boston Can Help With
Getting Girls Active
Research suggests that physical activity is an effective tool for reducing the symptoms of stress and depression among girls. Sports help girls develop leadership and teamwork skills.
These
Tips, from GoGirlGo! San Antonio, provide you with the pertinent information to get girls to be physically active and help guide them to a healthier lifestyle.
Gender Equity Technical Assistance
The Foundation is a recognized national leader and expert on Title IX and gender equity. We offer free technical assistance to school administrators to help understand the intricacies of Title IX, devise cost-effective solutions for improving compliance, and develop comprehensive gender equity plans. Find more about how you can get local expert Diana Cutaia to conduct a free training at your site!
Title IX and GoGirlGo!
Equipment Resources
Lots of athletic suppliers donate to non-profit sports organizations.
We’re compiling a list of local retailers and even teams who are willing to donate new or lightly used equipment.
Help get your team the gear it needs by following the links to equipment donors.
Nutritional Information
Check out our listing of great Web sites and resources that can help you explore proper nutrition. Find help reading nutritional labels, dealing with food issues and knowing what constitutes a healthy meal.
Work in the Field
Become a GoGirlGo! Boston Ambassador!
Learn about our nationwide
Ambassador program from Alexandra Bakovic, a former GoGirlGo! Boston intern who worked with local girls to get physically active.
Job Opportunities
Are you interested in working in sports programming? Check out our links to community job postings and networks that could help you find the perfect opportunity.
Volunteer with Us!
GoGirlGo! Boston is always looking for active and motivated . We’re constantly hosting networking events, running sport clinics, doing trainings with our curriculum and working with local girls to get them active. You can earn credit towards community service hours or internship requirements by working with us.
Contact Us
Office Phone: 617-288-9898 x170
Office Fax: 617-282-6367
Mailing Address:
GoGirlGo! Boston
150 Mt. Vernon Street, Suite Two
Dorchester, MA 02125