Why Girls Drop Out of Sport — And What Coaches & Parents Can Do About It

Over 60% of girls drop out of sport by the end of adolescence. It’s a staggering figure — but one that isn’t set in stone.

A growing body of research shows that 3 of the top 5 reasons girls quit sport are directly shaped by the environment around them. That means coaches, parents, teachers, and sport professionals have an incredible opportunity to make a difference.

At Her Strength, we believe that with the right support, girls can not only stay in sport — but thrive in it. 

The Top 5 Reasons Girls Drop Out of Sport

A systematic review by Crane & Temple (2015) identified five consistent factors contributing to dropout in adolescent girls:

1. Social pressures
2. Reduced enjoyment
3. Physical factors (injury or physical discomfort due to growth)
4. Low perceived competence
5. Competing priorities (school, friends, part-time work)
   
   

The good news?

At least 3 of these—enjoyment, physical factors, and confidence—are within our power to influence. And even the remaining two can be buffered with strong support networks and smart coaching decisions.

How Adults Can Help Girls Stay in Sport 

1. Keep Sport Fun and Enjoyable

Fun isn’t a luxury — it’s essential. Research consistently shows that when enjoyment drops, so does participation.

• Keep training varied and engaging
  
• Foster a team culture that includes laughter and connection
  
• Allow space for unstructured play and autonomy
  

Girls who enjoy their sport experience are far more likely to stay engaged long term.

2. Adjust Training to Match Physical Changes

Puberty brings rapid changes that affect coordination, energy levels, and injury risk. When coaches and parents ignore this, girls can feel discouraged or misunderstood.

• Include strength and injury prevention in every program
• Be aware that biological age may not match their chronological age (it can vary up to 5 years!), therefore  be open to adapt training load, drills, and expectations. 
• Normalize the ups and downs of puberty and growth rather than shy away from discussing these topics. 

3. Build Competence and Confidence

Low perceived ability is one of the most common reasons girls leave sport — even if their actual skills are improving. Coaches and adults can help by:

• Celebrating effort, resilience, and personal progress, not just outcomes and performance 
• Avoid comparing athletes with others - remembering that girls at this age don’t like being judged
• Avoid direct or indirect comments about athlete bodies - most teen girls are dissatisfied with their body and even subtle comments can cause lasting damage
  
  

Confidence grows when girls feel seen, capable, and supported — not judged, compared and evaluated solely on performance.

When adults understand what’s happening physically, they can support girls through this challenging stage — instead of unintentionally pushing them out.

Small Shifts, Big Wins

It doesn’t take a complete overhaul to make a meaningful difference. Small, strategic changes in how we coach, communicate, and connect can keep more girls in sport — and set them up for long-term development and success.

Final Thoughts: Your Role Matters 

If you’re a coach, parent, teacher, or sport and health professional, your influence matters. Girls are more likely to stay in sport when they feel supported, confident, and understood. At Her Strength, we’re here to help you do just that — with science-backed education, expert guidance, and a community that believes in raising the bar for youth female sport.

References: 

Crane, J. R., & Temple, V. A. (2014). A systematic review of dropout from organized sport among children and youth. European Physical Education Review, 21(1), 114-131.