Why do girls quit sports? 'Big Sister' finds a solution

Members of the Big Sister project meet every week after school in Eastleigh.

In the United Kingdom, the Big Sister project, aimed at keeping teenage girls in sports, is delivering even more significant results than expected. Girls-only sessions, a relaxed environment, and the support of young mentors allow them to feel free and rediscover their interest in sports.

According to research, 43% of girls who previously considered themselves athletic lose their love for physical activity during their teenage years. The project is attemptingto change this worrying trend.

Why do girls quit training?

A study conducted by the charity Women in Sport identified several factors that cause girls to drift away from sports.

One of the most frequently mentioned problems is the feeling that others are constantly judging them. Some teenagers think they are not strong, agile, or attractive enough.

In sessions held with boys, some girls worry about making mistakes, being teased, or comparing themselves to others. As a result, instead of trying, they quit sports altogether.

A safe, girls-only environment

In the Big Sister program, girls aged 9 to 15 are encouraged to try various sports. The sessions cover basketball, football, fitness, and gym workouts.

One of the most active centers of the project is located at the Places Leisure Center in Eastleigh, Hampshire.

Here, girls meet every week after school. They are not required to achieve high results immediately. The main focus is on enjoying movement, making new friends, and building self-confidence.

11-year-old Poppy called the program's sessions 'fun'.

'I make friends and get physically stronger,' she said.

'Girls can do anything too'

14-year-old Holly believes that an all-girls environment provides a special sense of support.

'Boys often think they are better at everything, especially in sports. This session shows that girls can also do what they can,' she said.

According to Holly, having only girls in the session encourages them to move more freely and test their strength.

Here, participation is more important than results, and mutual support is more important than competition.

Not a coach, but a trusted 'big sister'

21-year-old Tallya Brooks works as an instructor and ambassador for the project. Her role is not just to demonstrate exercises.

Tallya tries to be a trusted 'big sister' for the girls, supporting their physical and mental well-being.

'They can trust me. If they have a problem, they can come and talk about school, their period, or other worries,' she said.

Brooks notes that in the presence of boys, some girls hold back and give up on exercises. In a girls-only environment, they behave freely and try new movements without fear.

Result: 60% of girls like sports more

Initially funded by the government's tampon tax grant, the project is now being implemented in partnership with Places Leisure in over 80 centers across the United Kingdom.

Some participants have the opportunity to get free gym memberships and attend sessions. For others, discounted rates are offered.

Rachel Williams, a representative of Women in Sport, said that 60% of the girls who participated in the program reported that they now like sports more than before.

The project not only increases physical activity but also has a positive impact on the girls' happiness, resilience, and willingness to try new things.

The most important lesson — not fearing the opinions of others

Tallya Brooks said she sees the girls becoming more confident and relaxed after the sessions.

She explains a simple but powerful thought to girls who feel like everyone is watching them in the gym:

'Actually, no one is looking at you. People are looking at themselves in the mirror.'

Poppy expressed the biggest lesson she learned in the program in one sentence:

'Don't think about anyone else's opinion, just think about being yourself.'

The Big Sister experience shows that to keep girls in sports, a safe environment, trust, and people who understand them are more important than expensive equipment.