What does it take to increase the number of girls participating in sports? On this episode of Open Space Radio, we explore the obstacles, the breakthroughs, and how park and recreation professionals are at the center of it all. We know sports offer lifelong physical and mental health benefits, helping girls build strength, confidence and connections. But when it comes to getting more girls and women involved in sports, participation alone isn't the goal. The real work is creating environments where girls feel like they belong, and feel supported,...
What does it take to increase the number of girls participating in sports? On this episode of Open Space Radio, we explore the obstacles, the breakthroughs, and how park and recreation professionals are at the center of it all.
We know sports offer lifelong physical and mental health benefits, helping girls build strength, confidence and connections. But when it comes to getting more girls and women involved in sports, participation alone isn't the goal. The real work is creating environments where girls feel like they belong, and feel supported, safe and excited to stay in the game as they grow. And right now, as girls' and women's sports are gaining national attention, it's a pivotal moment to rethink how youth sports actually show up for girls in our communities.
On this episode, we chat with two incredible local leaders who are putting these ideas into action in their communities: Sally Pennington, CPRE, director of parks and recreation in Eudora, Kansas, and Amy Tessier, recreation program supervisor in Twentynine Palms, California. We're also joined by Allison Colman, senior director of programs at NRPA, who helps lead our youth sports strategy and shares insight into NRPA's role in advancing this work nationwide.
Tune in below to hear how you can be part of the movement to get more girls in sports. You'll also learn:
- What participation gaps between girls and boys still exist, even as girls' and women's sports gain national visibility
- How early experiences in youth sports can shape long-term confidence and retention
- What a systems-change approach looks like in parks and recreation, from coach recruitment and training to programming
- Why increasing women coaches and role models is critical to keeping girls engaged
- How local programs are creating ripple effects beyond the field
- And much more!
Additional Resources
- Get Her in the Game
- NRPA Youth Sports Framework
- NRPA Youth Sports in Parks and Recreation Report
- Level Up: Coaching Tools to Inspire, Connect, and Lead Through Sports
Have feedback about this episode or Open Space Radio overall? Share it with us!
If you enjoyed this episode or learned something that might help you make a positive impact in your community, please consider donating to NRPA. Your gift will support our storytelling efforts and our mission to advance parks, recreation and environmental resilience efforts that enhance the quality of life for all. Give today at nrpa.org/donate.
This season of Open Space Radio is sponsored by BCI Burke: Outdoor play builds confidence, leadership skills and social networks. At BCI Burke, they design outdoor spaces that support movement, opportunity and connection, helping park and recreation professionals create environments where more girls feel encouraged to step in, play hard and lead the game.
Learn more at bciburke.com
Thanks to BCI Burke for supporting this episode and for their continued commitment to Play That Moves You®.
View more
