With $868,000 in state government funding, researchers at the University of Newcastle are launching a new program designed to address key barriers such as body image concerns, self-esteem, mental health, and social media pressures.
Despite the well-documented physical and mental health benefits of sport, teenage girls in Australia participate at significantly lower rates than boys. In Newcastle, this funding will be instrumental in shaping solutions that help young women stay engaged in sporting activities.
By amplifying the voices of adolescent girls, the project will ensure that their unique experiences and concerns drive the development of resources and strategies to support their ongoing participation.
Previous research has highlighted that many girls disengage from sport due to feelings of embarrassment, social pressures, and negative experiences with coaches or parents.
This initiative will build on the success of the Daughters and Dads Active and Empowered program, which has already seen increased sports involvement among primary school girls in NSW. By expanding these efforts, Newcastle girls will have greater opportunities to develop confidence and a sense of belonging in the sporting community.
The program is part of the broader NSW Government’s Play Her Way Strategy, launched in November 2024, which aims to create more inclusive and supportive sporting environments for women and girls. By equipping parents, teachers, and coaches with the tools to foster positive experiences, the initiative is set to create lasting change in the local sports landscape.
The research team is currently seeking input from adolescent girls in Years 7 to 9 to ensure their perspectives shape the program’s direction. Newcastle families interested in contributing to this vital research can register their interest here.
