The Benefits of Sports for Girls
According to the Women’s Sports Foundation (WSF), girls who play sports experience:
- Improved physical and mental health
- Higher confidence and self-esteem
- A more positive body image and lower rates of depression
- Better academic achievement and leadership skills
And these advantages start early. Zero to Three, a leader in early childhood development, highlights how girls naturally excel in emotional regulation, and sports provide a fun, structured way to build on that strength.
While boys tend to develop gross motor skills like running, jumping, and throwing earlier, introducing girls to sports like soccer at a young age helps them strengthen spatial awareness and motor skills, which are essential for learning and problem-solving.
With so many proven positive outcomes, getting girls involved in sports early in life can play a key role in their development. That’s where Soccer Shots comes in!
How Soccer Shots Empowers Girls
On Soccer Island, our program is more than just soccer – it’s a fun and engaging experience for children ages 2-8. With our highly trained coaches and research-based, developmentally appropriate curriculum, we create playful activities that naturally promote gross motor development for young girls.
Each week, our young athletes take on new challenges, mastering skills that build coordination, balance, and spatial awareness. For example, our 2–3-year-olds focus on foundational movements that help develop coordination, while our 3–5-year-olds work on balance and spatial awareness as they interact with other players on the field. As they grow, our 5–8-year-olds refine these skills through more advanced agility work with the ball. At every stage, they’re also building important character traits like determination and teamwork.
Beyond physical skills, we create a supportive, inclusive environment where every child is encouraged with positive reinforcement. We celebrate every win, big or small, and cheering each other on with endless high-fives – all while having tons of FUN!
Above all, Soccer Shots sparks a love for the game and staying active. With every session, we strive to build confidence and create joyful experiences that last a lifetime. Whether your daughter is new to sports or already loves to play, our goal is to help her grow far beyond the game.
How You Can Get Involved
Supporting girls in sports is something we can do all year long! One of the best ways to encourage our young athletes is to celebrate their effort, not just the results. It’s also important to be a role model by showing that sports and physical activity can be fun and exciting. Whether it’s by playing alongside them or simply cheering them on, you can be a positive influence in creating the next generation of amazing female athletes.
Ready to get your child involved? Click Here to find a program near you today!
Women’s Sports Foundation – Benefits – Why Sports Participation for Girls and Women – Women’s Sports Foundation
Zero to Three – Are there any differences in boys’ and girls’ brain development? | ZERO TO THREE