Women in Sport · 2022
This report examines why teenage girls disengage from sport and physical activity, drawing on a nationally representative survey of over 4,000 adolescent girls and boys aged 11–18. Key findings show that girls are significantly less active than boys, with disengagement accelerating after primary school and again at ages 17–18; barriers include low confidence, body image concerns, fear of judgement, and the challenges of puberty including periods. The report identifies three segments of girls — 'Sporty Now', 'Used to be Sporty', and 'Never Sporty' — each with distinct needs. It provides eight evidence-based principles to help sport and exercise providers re-engage girls across the spectrum of engagement.