The Importance of Sports for Girls

Though some individuals may not give as much importance to physical education as academics, physical education is imperative if we want to develop well-rounded individuals. At the AUW Laboratory school, we are pleased to offer a robust physical education program and sports bootcamps to provide opportunities for girls to be active, develop technical skills, work collaboratively, and initiate life-long friendships.

The importance of taking care of one’s body and remaining physically active throughout one’s life cannot be stressed enough. Girls and women need to be healthy, fit and strong. They need to take care of their bodies and exercise to stay fit, stave off obesity which can lead to diabetes and other negatively impacting health conditions. In many cultures, girls are explicitly and implicitly told to remain passive intellectually and physically, and this is a detriment to their physical emotional, and social health. Being active by engaging in sports and taking care of themselves allows girls to be comfortable in their own skin, gain empowerment through physical strength, collaborate and work with others. Additionally, playing sports specifically teaches girls how to win, and how to fail. Sports also teaches girls how to bounce back from failure, commit to getting better, and improve performance. Moreover, these skills can be transferred to other domains, building resilience in many different facets of their lives.

During adolescence girls may feel uncomfortable with the changes they are going through. Sports allows them to connect with themselves and feel comfortable in their own skin. It allows them to be physically grounded and connected. It also provides opportunities for girls to understand their physical limitations and where possible challenge them to become physically stronger and more confident. The increased level of physically fitness that comes from playing sports benefits girls overall health. Bones and muscles become stronger thus supporting the overall physical frame.

One byproduct of team sports is the students’ ability to gracefully win, honorably face defeat, and rise again to compete again. There will always be winners and losers in sports. Knowing how to win and celebrate success in a positive manner develops gracious and respectful individuals. Knowing how to fail honorably allows for humility and the drive to succeed at another time. In essence, facing defeat, overcoming it, and developing strategies to do better shows resilience. Resilience is a trait that must be developed in young people so they can better face whatever challenges come their way.

There are many benefits to playing sports and girls should be encouraged to do so. Additionally, sports and physical activities should be encouraged for girls throughout their lives. If women are overly sedentary, they tend to age faster and develop a multitude of physical conditions which could be reduced if they were active, in shape, and strong. Developing a love of and participating in sports while young, develops a lifelong healthy practice of physical activity, mental well-being, and collaborative practice.