AS we arrive at the beginning of the winter sports cycle once again, the North Shore community looks primed to continue taking strides in the engagement and promotion of women’s sports across a number of codes. Yet for a number a number of areas across Australia, it seems that there are a number of fixable solutions continuing to hold back girls’ sports.
A recent research study released by Victoria University has outlined the reasons that female participants opt to stay or leave their community sports activities. The research integrated the data of 5000 female participants in several community gymnastics and football clubs across Australia between 2019 and 2021. Whilst this specific study identified results from these two sports, leading researcher Professor Rochelle Elme, pointed out how the problems that were highlighted can be attached and attributed to any activity.
Along with a number of economic and physical health reasonings, the most significant finding suggested that girls, particularly adolescents and teenagers, left organisations because they stopped having fun. As broad as this answer may seem on face value, it tends to indicate the culture and directional choices of a club.
By no means is chasing success a negative indictment of a club, but in the process, fostering environments that promote the enjoyment and love for the game can be just as telling, particularly within a community sports setting. The 2022 AFL Sydney Harbour Junior Club of the Year, Hornsby Berowra Eagles, continue to show that the integration and prioritisation of girls in sport adds immense value to the sport and the organisation. In collaboration with Pennant Hills and Westbrook AFL, the Northwest Lightning Girls teams are continuing to seek out more youth through their various come and try days throughout February.
Continuing to provide opportunities and fun experiences within women’s sports is something that the Northern Tigers Football Club are nailing to start the year. As a part of their preseason preparations for NPL 1, the Women’s First Grade squad is currently in the midst of a tour of Japan, where they will be able to combine significant football and cultural experiences.
With the Australian Women’s Cricket and Football Teams also set to undertake World Cup Tournaments this year, it grants the youth a greater opportunity to draw the inspiration and passion for these sports, as they will be given a greater spotlight than ever before.
