Youth Sports: If She Can See It, She Can Be It — Episode 166

On this episode of Open Space Radio, we explore the critical role
that parks and recreation plays in advancing sports opportunities
for all youth — especially girls. Providing these opportunities
is more than just fairness; it’s about giving girls the
opportunities and support they need to succeed, both on and off
the field. Participation in sports is linked to increased
self-esteem, better academic performance and higher career
aspirations for girls.


Sports also have the power to build confidence, foster leadership
skills and create lifelong connections. However, girls often face
barriers that prevent them from participating and staying
engaged. This episode brings together leaders from various
organizations to discuss strategies for making sports more
inclusive and empowering for young girls.


Tune in to the full episode below to hear from experts in this
space who are making a huge impact, including:




Teresa Morrissey, Senior Program Manager at NRPA




Kelsey Moore, Director of Social & Community Impact at
Nike




Jillian Green Loughran, Director of Strategic Initiatives at
the Center for Healing and Justice Through Sport




Julia Lankford, Director of Operations at Laureus USA Sport
for Good Atlanta




You’ll learn about the importance of engaging girls in youth
sports, as well as: 




The key role parks and recreation plays in providing
accessible, affordable and high-quality sports opportunities
(they reach more than 40 million youth annually!)




Why collaboration and partnerships are key to advancing
girls’ participation in sports




Strategies to break down barriers preventing girls from
participating and staying in sports




How coaches – specifically women coaches – play such a
critical role in advancing this work




How your park and recreation agency can be part of this
movement and get more girls in the game




And much more!




By investing in inclusive sports programming, training coaches
and fostering partnerships, park and recreation agencies can help
ensure that every girl who wants to play has the opportunity to
do so.


Thank you to our guests for their insights and dedication to
advancing gender equity in sports. If you enjoyed this episode,
be sure to subscribe to Open Space Radio and share it with others
who are passionate about the power of sports to change lives.


Resources Discussed on this Episode:




NRPA Youth Sports Framework




Play to Lead Report: The Generational Impact of Sports on
Women’s Leadership




Nike Coaching Girls Guide: How to Get (and Keep) Girls
Playing – Strategies for Engaging & Retaining Girls in
Sport




Body Confident Sport




Coaching HER




Nike Super Bowl Ad: So Win.




Center for Healing and Justice through Sport




Laureus USA Sport for Good Atlanta


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overall? Share it with us! If you enjoyed
this episode or learned something that might help you make a
positive impact in your community, please consider donating to
NRPA. Your gift will support our storytelling efforts and our
mission to advance parks, recreation and environmental
resilience efforts that enhance the quality of life for all
at nrpa.org/donate.