For girls to reap all the benefits of staying active through sport, they must see that there are attainable & meaningful opportunities for them to do so. By exposing your participants through positive interactions to local role models, they will become aware of & be encouraged to continue to pursue opportunities in sport. Having role models they can relate to promotes resilience when overcoming the adversity that your participants may currently be facing or will likely face in the future.

Teach participants to identify role models they have in their lives & what about these people captures their attention. Encourage them to celebrate those attributes in each other.

Take time to watch, discuss & celebrate female athletes. Maybe have an athlete of the day/week to learn about together. Highlight past athletes who have made contributions as good teammates.

If possible, attend post-secondary teams’ competitions together. In addition to the fun experience, coaches are often receptive to having girls meet their team & connect with the athletes.

Reach out to involve female athletes from high schools & post-secondary institutions, on provincial/territorial, national & international teams to lead a development session.