Girls in Youth Sports
Too often, coaches treat female athletes differently than male athletes. Coaches tell females to act more like men.
But, truth is, girls and women don’t approach sports in the same way men approach sports, says Joan Steidinger, author of “Sisterhood in Sports: How Female Athletes Collaborate and Compete.”
Many female athletes like to focus on relationships in sports, says Steidinger, a psychologist and former competitive ultrarunner.
Steidinger came to this conclusion after interviewing 130 athletes over five years, from teenagers to 88-year-olds.
“I noticed females were criticized for their focus on relationships,” she says.
“Male coaches tend to tell girls to be like boys,” she says, “Coaches need to take into consideration: Women are not small men.”
Based on her research, boys want to play and compete, while girls focus on relationships. They like the social aspect of sports, she says.
“Collaboration and bonding is important. It’s important to like each other and be friendly,” she says.
Related Articles on Kids’ Mental Game:
- Why Girls Drop out of Sports at Higher Rates than Boys
- Helping Girls Feel More Confident in Sports
- Helping Sports Girls Not Worry About Looks
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