Colman Noctor: Let's create more opportunities for girls to remain in sport

Sporting bodies need to focus on providing enough opportunities for girls to take part and have carefree fun with friends

Sporting bodies need to provide opportunities for teenage girls to participate in group games and have carefree fun with friends, says Colman Noctor. Picture: iStock

IN LAST week’s column, I explored why girls drop out of sports during their teenage years. We need to create a deep understanding of why they choose to opt out.

In a 2021 Sport Ireland report, a teenage girl captured a central issue saying: “When you’re younger it’s just friendly... nice to go out, see your friends, play and just have a kick about... but as you get older, people get more competitive.” Competitiveness in sports is an issue for most children, regardless of gender. But for teenage girls, could it be less about a competitive culture and more about a high-commitment culture that causes them to leave organised team sports?