Sport has been one of the most important socio-cultural learning experiences for boys and men for many years. Those same benefits should be afforded our daughters. It is important for all of us to know that:

• High school girls who play sports are less likely to be involved in an unintended pregnancy; more likely to get better grades in school and more likely to graduate than girls who do not play sports.
  
• Girls and women who play sports have higher levels of confidence and self-esteem and lower levels of depression.
  
• Girls and women who play sports have a more positive body image and experience higher states of psychological well-being than girls and women who do not play sports.