While strides continue to be made in advancing girls’ participation in sports, a new report from Canadian Women & Sport reveals that over one million Canadian girls are still missing out on the benefits of sport, with participation levels continuing to trail behind those of boys.
Rally Report: A Call to Reimagine Sport So All Girls Can Play, in partnership with Canadian Tire Jumpstart Charities and global insight consultancy IMI Consulting, offers new insights into the experiences of girls aged six to 18. Based on a study involving more than 5,000 Canadians – including 2,000 girls and women respondents – Rally Report highlights both the progress and persistent challenges in girls’ participation in sport across Canada along with the need for a system redesign that places girls at the centre.
Overall, Rally Report shows an increase in girls’ sport participation rates, with 63 per cent of girls now playing organized sports weekly, compared to 68 per cent of boys. Despite this, nearly four in 10 girls are still missing out on the benefits of sport, a number that rises to five in 10 by age 16. Girls from lower-income households of all racial backgrounds are less likely to participate, particularly when they also have a disability.
“While we celebrate the progress we’ve made in getting more girls active in sport, it’s clear that we still have more work to do. The findings of the latest Rally Report are a call to action for leaders at all levels to reimagine sport for girls, ensuring it’s inclusive, supportive, and designed with their unique needs in mind.”
Rally Report: A Call to Redesign Sport Key Findings
Participation Gaps: Nearly four in 10 girls – the equivalent of over one million Canadian girls – are missing out on sport, a number that jumps to five in 10 by age 16.
Dropout Rates: For girls, dropout rates increase at age 16 and accelerate through their late teens, with more than 1 in 5 leaving sport during adolescence.
Interest in Sports: Overall, four in 10 girls report being more interested than ever in playing sports and being active.
Fan Engagement: Seven in 10 girls are keen to engage in women’s sports as fans.
Impact of Appearance: two in five girls report that comments about their appearance, clothing, or religious attire impact their participation in sport.
Role Models: Half of the girls surveyed feel inspired by coaches and role models who represent their diverse backgrounds.
Family Support: Nearly seven in 10 girls report that family members play a positive role in their sport experience.
Body Confidence: one in two girls said participating in sport positively influences their body image, though one and three report that comments about their bodies undermine their confidence.
Mental Health: seven in 10 girls feel that sport and physical activity positively impact their mental health.
Menstrual Cycle: Nearly one in two girls aged 13 to 18 feel that their menstrual cycle impacts their participation in sport.
A Call to Action
Rally Report 2024 emphasizes that reimagining sport for girls requires the collective efforts of all leaders across the sport system. It calls for increased investment, girl-centred coaching practices, and the creation of safe, supportive environments where all girls feel welcome.
“We need to create sport opportunities that reflect the diverse experiences of girls. Whether through affordable programming, culturally inclusive spaces, or menstrual product availability, every girl deserves to feel confident and empowered in sport. Our responsibility is to not only close the participation gap but to create an environment where every girl feels supported to thrive in sport.”
About Canadian Women & Sport
Canadian Women & Sport is a national nonprofit with a 43-year history of work as the leading voice and authority on women and sport. We believe in the power of sport as a platform for advancing equity for women across all areas of society. As such, we are committed to creating a more equitable and inclusive sport system that empowers women and girls as participants and leaders, within sport and through sport. www.womenandsport.ca
(Greg McIsaac/Communications)
– MWBA star Rachel Farwell in action with Saint John’s Port City Fog (DWinston Photo)