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Benefits of Sports for Girls

By KM, 12/14/19, 6:30AM CST

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Studies have found that female executives are more likely to have played sports than those in non-leadership roles. Among female executives in fortune 500 companies 80% played sports at some point in their lives and 95% of the chief executes played sports.

Benefits of having girls in sports

There are many obvious physical benefits of having young people in sports. Kids who participate in sports are less likely to develop chronic health issues like obesity and Type II Diabetes and are more likely to maintain a healthy lifestyle throughout adulthood. In addition to reducing the risk of chronic health issues there are several benefits to sports that go beyond sweat, these benefits are seen at all skill levels and benefit girls in particular.

Health benefits

Girls who participate in sports are less likely to smoke, have a reduced chance of getting breast cancer and osteoporosis later in life. High school athletes are less likely to participate in sexual activity and experience unintended pregnancy. They also generally have lighter and more regular periods and experience less cramping and discomfort.

Psychological benefits

Girls of all ages in sports report a more positive body image, particularly those who play more than 3 sports a year. They are more likely to self-report their health as “excellent,” perceive their athletic and academic ability higher and have lower rates of depression and suicidal tendencies compared to their non-active counterparts. Girls in sports are also more organized and have better time management skills than those who do not participate in sports. 

Female athletes also show a stronger commitment to their studies. High school athletes are more likely to attend college and have a lower drop-out rate.

Social benefits

Participating in youth sports give kids an opportunity to meet kids outside their school and neighborhood and provides another opportunity to build friendships. Team sports provide a sense of belonging and learn teamwork. Participating in a competitive sport increases self-confidence. While winning has an easier impact on confidence, losing also plays a critical role in development. Working through struggles builds emotional fortitude that is critical throughout life.

Long-term benefits

Studies have found that female executives are more likely to have played sports than those in non-leadership roles. Among female executives in fortune 500 companies 80% played sports at some point in their lives and 95% of the chief executes played sports*. Not only are former female athletes more likely to be in leadership roles, they are also more likely to hire other women who played sports. Women who played sports, particularly at a higher level, develop highly transferrable skills that allow them to excel in the workforce and earn on average 7% more than non-athletes*. 

*Womens Sports Foundation. https://www.womenssportsfoundation.org/.