Girls Drop Out Of Sports At Twice The Rate Of Boys. Here's How We Change That.

"The i9 website states that 70% of kids drop out of sports by age 13 because it's no longer fun or has become a negative experience. Kids are pushed to specialize in one sport (instead of playing many different ones) to earn scholarships or go pro, though only a minuscule percentage of players achieve either, and they often end up with physical injuries from repeated strain on certain body parts."

"Research from the Women's Sports Foundation found that by age 14, girls drop out of sports at twice the rate of boys. Why? Girls have 1.3 million fewer openings on high school and college teams than boys, they say, meaning they either can't play or have to be able to afford private leagues to do so. While the win-at-all-costs pressure and burnout culture of youth sports today affect all young athletes, girls also face unique pressures."

Women’s performances at the Winter Olympics have showcased perseverance and role models. A survey by i9 Sports found girls step away from youth sports earlier than boys, with fun, love of the sport, and increased confidence driving returns. The i9 site reports 70% of kids quit sports by age 13 because it stops being fun or becomes negative. Early specialization for scholarships or pro prospects leads to injuries and burnout, while only a tiny fraction reach those goals. Research from the Women's Sports Foundation shows girls quit at twice the rate of boys by age 14, in part because there are 1.3 million fewer team openings.

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