By age 14, girls are dropping out of sports at higher rates than boys.
From rising costs and unequal opportunity to social pressures and lack of support, girls face a range of barriers that can push them out of the game during critical developmental years. But research from the Women’s Sports Foundation continues to show that when girls stay involved in sports, the benefits extend far beyond the playing field.
Sports empower girls to build confidence, leadership skills, healthy habits, and a stronger sense of belonging, helping them to step into their potential far beyond the game.
Girls still have fewer opportunities to play sports than boys, particularly in under-resourced schools and communities. Limited access to school sports, supportive coaches, safe spaces to play, and affordable community programs can make it harder for girls to participate and stay engaged.
Research shows girls have more than 1.3 million fewer opportunities to play high school sports than boys.
Why it matters
When girls play sports, they gain invaluable skills that extend into communities, careers, and leadership roles later in life.
According to WSF’s Play to Lead research:
These findings show girls do not need to become professional athletes to benefit from sports. Participation helps build the foundation for future leaders, problem-solvers, and changemakers across every industry and community.
The rising cost of youth sports continues to create barriers for many families. Registration fees, travel costs, equipment, uniforms, and private training can place sports out of reach. In some communities, transportation challenges and limited access to safe facilities make participation even more difficult.
Why it matters
Every girl deserves the opportunity to experience the physical, emotional, and social benefits of sport, regardless of zip code or income level.
Research from WSF’s Teen Sport in America report found girls who participate in sports demonstrate:
A positive sport experience can make all the difference in whether a girl stays in the game. Supportive coaches, safe environments, and equal treatment help girls feel valued and motivated to continue participating. But unequal access to facilities, quality coaches, and safe sport experiences can contribute to burnout and dropout.
Why it matters
Girls are more likely to stay involved in sports when they:
For many girls, the quality of their sport experience determines whether they stay involved or walk away entirely. Positive coaching, equal investment, and environments where girls feel seen and supported can shape not only participation, but how girls view themselves and their potential.
As girls grow older, social pressures, body image concerns, fear of judgement, and feelings of not belonging can impact their relationship with sports and physical activity.
Research from WSF’s From Sidelines to Center Court report found many girls feel they are not celebrated equally compared to their boy peers, reinforcing the message that girls’ sports are valued differently. Over time, that unequal visibility and recognition can influence whether girls feel they belong in sport at all.
Why it matters
WSF’s Thriving Through Sport research found:
As the youth mental health crisis continues to grow, these findings highlight the important role sports can play in helping girls build healthier habits, stronger self-worth, and emotional resilience that can impact every stage of life.
Every girl deserves the opportunity to participate in sports in environments where she feels safe, respected, and supported. Concerns around bullying, discrimination, harassment, emotional safety, or exclusion can cause girls to step away from sports entirely.
Why it matters
Inclusive and supportive sport environments help girls thrive both on and off the field. Girls are more likely to stay in sports when they feel respected, represented, and protected.
Creating inclusive environments is not just about participation. It is about ensuring girls have the opportunity to thrive, lead, and continue benefiting from sport throughout their lives.
At the Women’s Sports Foundation, we believe every girl deserves the chance to play, lead, and thrive through sport. By addressing the barriers girls face and investing in positive, inclusive sport experiences, we can help more girls stay in the game and create healthier communities, stronger leaders, and a more equitable future for generations to come.
