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Changing mindsets in girls’ sport

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After 14 years of exposure to education and to sport in schools I remain amazed at the position of girls’ sport in the schools and other institutions in this country.
I believe that both family units and institutions must take responsibility for girls in sport. Let me explain.

For whatever reason, girls are pigeon-holed in the ultra-conservative space of the mother figure; the nurturer, and not the one that should be getting physical, sweaty and competitive – that’s for men. Not only have the girls acceded to this ludicrous perception but a lot have in fact perpetuated it.

In a co-educational environment this is more of a problem than in a single gender one. I see less influence of sport amongst the girls in co-ed schools than in single gender schools – at a “girls’ school” your market as an sports educator is only girls. In a co-ed school the boys take preference for coaching, equipment, apparel and fixtures.

Girls must play netball and hockey. Also,  girls often reject sport for fear of developing too much strength, muscles which could increase the the physical appearance. Added to this is the fear of correct nutrition of 6 meals per day for fear of weight gain – again the family unit needs to take accountability for the perception.

There is a concerted effort in certain regions to establish girls soccer leagues to the credit of certain leagues or associations, but with only moderate success. The schools themselves have a great opportunity to make a real change, yet in many co-ed schools this ridiculous perception persists.

In sports which are played by males, such as cricket, rugby and soccer, we also have SA ladies’ teams. There is a very successful ladies netball team as well as a matching male team.

I challenge all sports educators to create a real structure around girls’ sport and bring it on par with boys sport and address many social issues, as well creating active and healthy young ladies. I also challenge government agencies to make a concerted effort that extends beyond talking and to put programs in place which encourage girls’ sport, activity and nutrition for a sustainable healthy lifestyle.

Follow on TWITTER: @GregHurvitz and School sport on radio show on Twitter SCHOOL SPORTZ BUZZ: @SCHOOLSSPORT

What’s up with girls’ sport? Tell us below what you think.

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