Womensport & Recreation Tasmania is proud to formally endorse an important new research project exploring a challenge that sits at the heart of our work: why do so many girls stop playing sport during their teenage years?
The Staying in the Game research project will look at the experiences of young women in Tasmania who stepped away from organised team ball sports during their teenage years – and what may have influenced their decision to leave.
We know that girls’ participation in organised sport drops significantly during adolescence and young adulthood. While there is already valuable research into some of the social and psychological reasons behind this, there is still much more to understand – particularly when it comes to female health.
This research will explore issues including menstrual symptoms and period pain, pelvic health concerns, and breast pain or discomfort. It will also look at factors such as enjoyment, motivation, confidence and commitment, as well as the influence and support of family, friends and coaches.
Hearing directly from young women
The study will involve young women aged 16 to 24 who were assigned female at birth and played organised team ball sports as teenagers, but stopped participating for at least one season.
Participants will first be invited to complete an online survey about their sporting experiences and the factors that influenced their decision to stop playing. A smaller group will then have the opportunity to take part in focus groups and share their experiences in more depth.
By listening directly to young women, the research aims to build a clearer picture of what is happening – including the issues that may not always be visible or openly discussed within sporting environments.
Turning research into better experiences
The findings will provide valuable evidence for sporting organisations, administrators, coaches and program leaders about the challenges teenage girls can face in staying involved in sport.
Importantly, the research could help inform practical ways to better support girls – from improving understanding of female health issues and creating more open conversations, to reducing stigma and building sporting environments where girls feel understood, supported and able to keep participating.
Ultimately, it is about finding ways to help more teenage girls stay in the game and continue to experience the physical, social and wellbeing benefits that sport can bring.
WSRT is particularly proud that this important Tasmanian research is being led by WSRT Board Member Chrissy Tadross, alongside Karen Wills. We look forward to following the project and sharing its findings with our community.
Take Part in Staying in the Game
Are you aged 16–24 and have experience of stepping away from team ball sport?
Researchers are now inviting young women to take part in the Staying in the Game study and share their experiences of playing organised team ball sport as a teenager in Tasmania.
You may be eligible to participate if you:
- are currently aged 16–24
- were assigned female at birth
- played organised team ball sport in Tasmania as a teenager
- stopped participating for at least one season
The study is exploring the range of factors that can influence girls’ participation in sport, including confidence, pressure and social experiences, experiences within teams, uniforms and female health.
Your experience can help researchers better understand why girls leave sport and what sporting organisations can do to help more girls stay involved.
Take the Staying in the Game survey
Sporting organisations, clubs, coaches and parents are encouraged to share the survey with eligible young women in their networks.