Brendan Doyle’s Post

Take a look at this insightful piece on the vital role sports play in supporting kids' mental health, especially during challenging times. This is why we are here, we understand the positive powers sports has and we are dedicated to providing opportunities for all youth to experience the positive impact of sports. Read more about the importance of accessible sports programs and how they can help our children thrive.

A new study by Women's Sports Foundation (WSF) further proves that girls' participation in sports positively impacts their mental health! The foundation also emphasizes the importance of core ZGiRLS teachings such as learning to advocate for yourself and developing a growth mindset. Sports Participation Can Lower Depression and Anxiety ⚡ Mental health disorders are 1.5 to 2.5 times lower for girls who play sports vs those who never played. ⚡ 29% of girls who never played sports have moderate-to-high levels of depression symptoms vs. 17% of girls who currently play. ⚡ 21% of girls who never played sports have moderate-to-high levels of anxiety symptoms vs. 11% of girls who currently play. Sports Participation Has Promotive and Protective Benefits ⚡ Girls who play sports report 1.5 times higher levels of meaning and purpose compared to those who never played. ⚡ In sport settings that focus on effort, improvement, and teamwork, depression symptoms are significantly lower (3%) vs. settings where winning is the main goal and success is defined by ability compared to others (24.7%.) ⚡ In sport settings where girls have more “voice and choice” over goals and activities, depression symptoms are significantly lower (4%) vs. settings where they don’t have that opportunity (35.1%.) When we empower girls with inclusive and healthy opportunities to participate in sports, everyone wins!

This article from Women’s Sports Foundation highlights the value of playing sports in GIRL’S mental health, and hit us hard at EL1 Sports. From Softball University (founded in 2016, with more than 50k+ girls working through the program) to our newest location and brand, Alliance Performance Center in NOCO opened earlier this year), EL1 is committed to bringing the transformative power of sport to girls coast-to-coast with high quality softball instruction from players and coaches from the highest levels. Key Findings in the report include: 🥎 Playing sport has a significant impact on girls’ mental health, such as lowering anxiety and depression, and helping girls thrive 🥎 The protective and promotive benefits of sport for mental health are unique relative to other extracurricular activities, and girls who play sport are more involved in other activities 🥎 Coaches play a vital role in optimizing mental health, so relationships with the coach matter 🥎 The quality of the sport environment is a driving factor for mental health 🥎 Long-term engagement in sport matters for mental health 🥎 Girls from all backgrounds benefit from sport, and lack of access remains a hurdle for many girls 🥎 For girls with disabilities, among the many benefits sport provides is an increased level of meaning and purpose The report’s Executive Summary also provides key takeaways and action items for Coaches, Physical/Mental Health Practitioners, Educators, Family, and Advocates at all levels. https://lnkd.in/gYis82RD

Sticking with youth sports pays off. Researchers found long-term youth sports participation boosts adult mental health, but dropping out leads to worse outcomes than never playing at all. A problem, as youth leagues grow more professionalized, kids are having less fun — fueling a culture of quitters. Calling for change, the Olympic Commission wants the US government to intervene, while companies like Unrivaled Sports and League One Volleyball are investing in better development programs. Redesigning the youth sports journey is crucial to ensuring kids become physically and mentally healthy adults.

Have you ever wondered why 43% of girls quit sports by the age of 13? This alarming statistic raises important questions about how we can better support young female athletes. Did you know that football offers numerous health benefits for girls, including improved cardiovascular fitness, increased muscle strength, and enhanced mental health through teamwork and discipline? Plus, here’s a fun trivia fact: The first Women’s World Cup was held in 1991, paving the way for countless female athletes to shine on the global stage. How can we encourage more girls to continue playing sports like football and reap these incredible benefits? Here are some solutions to encourage more girls to continue playing sports like football: 1. Create a Supportive Environment:   - Parental Involvement: Educate parents on the importance of sports in their daughters' lives and encourage them to be supportive.   - Mentorship Programs: Connect young girls with female role models in sports who can provide guidance and inspiration. 2. Improve Access to Facilities and Resources:   - Community Programs: Develop community-based programs that provide free or low-cost access to sports facilities and equipment.   - School Support: Advocate for schools to offer more sports programs specifically for girls, ensuring they have equal opportunities to participate. 3. Enhance Coaching and Training:   - Female Coaches: Recruit and train more female coaches who can serve as role models and provide a relatable figure for young girls.   - Coach Education: Offer training for coaches on how to create a positive and inclusive environment that addresses the specific needs of young female athletes. 4. Promote the Benefits of Sports Participation:    - Health Education: Educate girls and their families about the physical, mental, and social benefits of participating in sports like football.   - Success Stories: Share stories of successful female athletes who started young and highlight their journeys and achievements. 5. Address Social and Cultural Barriers:   - Tackle Stereotypes: Challenge and change stereotypes about girls and sports through media campaigns and educational programs.   - Inclusivity Initiatives: Ensure sports programs are inclusive and welcoming to girls of all backgrounds and abilities. 6. Make Football Fun and Engaging: Variety of Activities**: Incorporate a variety of activities and games to keep football training sessions fun and engaging. 7. Social Events: Organize social events and tournaments that create a sense of community and belonging among young female players. #innovation #football #purpose #inside3stripes #WomenInSports #GirlsInSports #InspiringWomenAthletes #TrailblazingSportswomen #FemaleAthleteInspiration #SportsHeroines #BreakingBarriers #PuneFootball #MumbaiFootball #DelhiFootball #TrendingFootball #FootballInIndia #FootballCityPune #FootballCityMumbai #FootballCityDelhi #IndianFootballScene #FootballCultureIndia

Youth Sports: Benefits, Challenges, and Parental Involvement https://ift.tt/n3XwDOT Youth sports play a vital role in children’s development, offering numerous benefits that extend beyond physical fitness. However, they also present unique challenges, particularly concerning parental involvement. Understanding the multifaceted nature of youth sports can help parents, coaches, and communities foster a supportive and positive environment for young athletes. Benefits of Youth Sports Youth sports provide a range of benefits that contribute to the overall development of children. Physically, they promote regular exercise, which is essential for maintaining a healthy weight, building strong bones and muscles, and reducing the risk of chronic diseases. Beyond physical health, youth sports also contribute to mental and emotional well-being. Participating in sports helps children develop critical life skills such as teamwork, leadership, discipline, and time management. It also provides a constructive outlet for stress and anxiety, fostering resilience and self-esteem. Moreover, youth sports offer social benefits. They provide opportunities for children to make friends, build social networks, and learn to interact with peers in a structured environment. These social interactions are crucial for developing communication skills and a sense of belonging. Challenges in Youth Sports Despite the numerous benefits, youth sports also come with challenges. One significant issue is the pressure to perform. Children often face high expectations from coaches, parents, and even themselves, which can lead to stress and burnout. The competitive nature of sports can sometimes overshadow the enjoyment and intrinsic value of participation. Injuries are another challenge in youth sports. While physical activity is generally beneficial, the risk of injury is always present. Overuse injuries, in particular, are common among young athletes who specialize in a single sport year-round. Proper training, rest, and recovery are essential to mitigate these risks. Another challenge is the financial and time commitment required for youth sports. Many sports require significant investments in equipment, training, travel, and participation fees. This can be a burden for families and may limit access to sports for children from lower-income backgrounds. Parental Involvement Parental involvement in youth sports is a double-edged sword. On the one hand, supportive and positive involvement can enhance the experience for young athletes. Parents who encourage effort, celebrate achievements, and provide emotional support contribute to their child’s enjoyment and motivation. On the other hand, excessive or negative involvement can be detrimental. Parents who push their children too hard, criticize their performance or live vicariously through their athletic achievements can create a stressful environment. This can lead to burnout, decreased self-esteem, and a loss of interest in...

Organized sports play a crucial role in encouraging regular physical activity among young people. Positive (FUN!) sport experiences early in life have a lasting impact, increasing the likelihood of maintaining an active lifestyle in both structured and unstructured activities. This not only promotes multi-level health but also supports further development built upon this strong foundation. #PhysicalActivity #YouthSports #HealthBenefits #mentalhealth #wellness

New Ohio State study: Adults who played organized sports through their youth have fewer symptoms of anxiety and depression than those who never played or dropped out. Those who dropped out of sports had worse mental health than those who never played sports at all. A survey of almost 4,000 adults showed that 35% did not play organized sports at all growing up, 41% participated and dropped out, and 24% participated continuously until age 18. Why did adults say they quit sports as a child? 1. They didn't have fun (45%) 2. They felt like they were not a good player (31%) 3. They wanted to focus on grades (16%) 4. They had a health problem or injury (16%) 5. They could not afford sports (16%) 6. They had an issue with team members (15%) 7. They had interest in other clubs and activities (14%) 8. They had been abused by a coach (8%) While dropping out of sports was associated with poorer mental health, not all reasons for dropping out had the same effects. Interpersonal reasons for dropping out – including not having fun, not getting along with team members and being abused by a coach – were associated with adult depressive and anxiety symptoms. Those who couldn’t afford sports and sporting equipment also showed poorer mental health. But those who dropped out in order to focus on grades actually showed lower depressive symptoms. “Unfortunately, it is not a simple story of playing sports is good for kids. It is complicated by whether kids stick to playing sports and the reasons why they do stick to it or quit.”

The Women's Sports Foundation released this incredible report today titled “Thriving Through Sport.” After reading through the work, two of the key findings really stood out to me. First, the statistics regarding youth sports involvement for girls with intersectional identities and/or marginalized communities was staggering. The lack of access and ongoing trends of inequity still need to be at the forefront of our minds. Additionally, the takeaway that sports sampling leads to better mental health outcomes than specialization stood out. The emphasis on one-sport athletes has been a toxic trend and expectation put upon “the best” athletes in my generation and beyond. However, that kind of pressure and lack of freedom can deteriorate a young person, both mentally and physically. Encouraging multisport participation must be a goal of every youth sports stakeholder. I’d recommend anyone interested in the development and support of youth sports and specifically girls in sports check out the executive summary and infographic detailing the findings.