So how does this look in school sport? When sport is often given as a second option as an activity in schools, we take a look at the importance of girls’ only spaces and the Ultimate Coaching initiatives helping girls stay active.
Ultimate Coaching work with our school partners across central and east surrey offering girls only football from Year 1 upwards. Sessions provide a space for girls to enjoy football with their peers outside of the pressures some can feel in mixed-gender groups.
WHY ‘GIRLS ONLY’
Indeed, according to a 2023 survey carried out by the Youth Sports Trust, confidence and friendship are key influences on girls’ experience of sport and their decision to participate.
Startlingly, the survey of 18,000 girls showed 6 out of every 10 prefer to play sport within a girls only environment. Girls are over twice as likely as boys to cite low confidence as a barrier to participation, while 75% of girls say their ideal grouping in sport is to play with friends, rather than being grouped by skill level, for example. The importance of peer positivity for girls’ in sport is clear.
GIRLS IN MIXED GROUPS
In practice, we find girls often report they are not being passed to by boys. In a sport such as football where boys traditionally outnumber girls, this can be overwhelming and detrimental to confidence, development, and a sense of belonging in the sport. Girls only sessions can remove these drawbacks. Among peers, girls are typically more able to build confidence and creativity with more touches of the ball, freer to try new things and focus on fun learning without judgement.
BELONGING IN SPORT – IN-SESSION APPROACH
Starting with girls specific spaces, belonging is reinforced by theming. Theming of our games boosts engagement and encourages all girls to see themselves in football, so whether it’s drawing on England’s Lionesses or developing activities based on the girls’ favourite films or stories, this is a vital part of our provision, and a lot of fun!
ULTIMATE COACHING IN SCHOOLS, AND HOW TO GET IN TOUCH
Ultimate coaching offer school PE, lunchtime and after school sessions, as well as staff CPD and inset day support. If you would like us to work in your school or simply to discuss the girls’ football opportunities we can offer, please contact ewan@ultimate-coaching.co.uk.
REFERENCES
Plaister, N. (2024) Do pupils in single sex schools get better grades? Available at: https://ffteducationdatalab.org.uk/2024/05/do-pupils-in-single-sex-schools-get-better-grades/ (Accessed 17 June 2024).
Youth Sports Trust (2023) Girls Active National Report. Available at: https://www.youthsporttrust.org/media/3k2lyiyy/girls-active-national-report-girls-2.pdf (Accessed 17 June 2024).
We are passionate and motivated to making a difference, and encouraging children to be the best they can be in their chosen sport. We value the importance of providing opportunities that inspire and motivate both boys and girls to maximise sport both recreationally and competitively. We provide pathways for all learners that can eventually lead into future employability.
Ultimate Coaching and Ultimate Football Academy are a FA Accredited Organisation.
Peer Positivity – How girls’ only school football can help girls stay active
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