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鈥楪irls are absolutely good enough鈥� 鈥� how to keep women playing sports, by some prominent women who stuck with it

29 August 2018

By the time girls reach the age of 18, . The benefits of activity are enormous, so what can be done to reverse the drop-out rate? Some prominent women in sport share their views:-

Change the training. And the trainers

— Tennis coach Judy Murray

“There is a correlation between the number of girls who come into a sport – and remain in a sport – with the number of female coaches and female PE teachers,” Judy explained on Personal Best.

In the world of tennis, the majority of coaches are men. “Little girls especially," she continued, "are far more comfortable around women.”

Judy created the Miss Hits tennis scheme for girls, which includes games and exercises specifically aimed at girls’ interests.

Make facilities better for girls

— Olympic star Victoria Pendleton

Victoria’s view is that a re-evaluation of basic facilities would encourage girls to continue with sport.

“The way sport is done at school is the stuff of nightmares for girls,” she claims.

“I remember absolutely hating communal showers. I think every teenage girl does.

“This shouldn’t be too hard to fix: a few shower curtains; a bit of space to get dressed; some mirrors and working hairdryers — and, if it means getting more girls into the habit of sport, it’s got to be a good thing.”

Give them role models

— Rising tennis star Hollie Irwin

Hollie coaches at her local club because she believes girls need to see more women playing the sport they love.

“Sometimes I feel that girls don’t think they can get involved or be alongside the boys.

“It’s so important to be a good role model for the young girls here starting to play tennis because it can give them a vision of what they can become.”

Shout about the benefits

Training every day after school and at weekends took a lot of dedication for skater Steph Symington.

She’s one of the few who made the commitment, while many of her friends quit.

“Nearly 40% of girls drop out to devote more time to their studies,” says Steph.

“Skating was my study break; to this day it’s a huge stress reliever for me.

“Sport can be such a good escape when you really need it.

“Girls quit if they don’t think they’re good enough. Boys are encouraged to continue their sport where no such importance is put on sports for girls.

“Girls are absolutely good enough.”

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