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Supporting black girls to enjoy sport

Many black girls drop out of sport as they get older, but you can do more to keep them involved.

Black girls and sport

Many Black girls enjoy sport when they’re young but stop playing as they get older. Every girl’s experience is different, but some common challenges can make it harder for women and girls of colour to stay involved.

Why do Black girls stop doing sport?

Cost, culture, racism, family responsibilities and limited support can all make it harder to join or stay involved in sport. For example:

  • sport fees, uniforms, equipment and transport costs can be too expensive
  • racism or hurtful comments can make girls feel unsafe or unwelcome
  • caring roles at home or families that see other activities as more suitable for girls can stop them being involved in sport
  • no girl-only or culturally safe spaces can mean girls feel uncomfortable
  • worry about others judging their bodies, skin or hair can make girls feel they don’t fit in
  • fewer role models in coaching or leadership makes it harder to feel they belong.

What could help?

Understanding these barriers is important to help more Black girls stay involved and active. Sport is a big part of life in Australia, and every girl should feel included without having to hide or change who they are. You can help make sport safer and more welcoming by:

  • making sure everyone feels accepted and included
  • treating everyone equally, fairly and with respect
  • offering girl-only activities when helpful
  • taking the time to get to know everyone and encouraging your teams to do the same
  • listening and learning about cultural needs, including for hair and clothing or religious practices
  • taking strong and quick action against racism and misogyny
  • encouraging and highlighting role models and mentors to make representation more visible
  • supporting different motivations for joining sport, including fun, friendship and community belonging

With steps like these, you can help Black women and girls feel safe, respected and confident to stay active and enjoy sport.

Further reading:

  • Black Girls and Sport – A Breakup Story | Women in Sport﷟HYPERLINK "https://academic.oup.com/ije/article/50/1/12/5989816, opens in a new tab"
  • Cultural, racial and linguistically diverse communities | Australian Sports Commission
  • Sport can be an important part of Aboriginal culture for women – but many barriers remain | The Conversation
  • Inclusion in Sport – Removing Barriers to Participation | Play by the Rules
  • First Nations Women | Clearinghouse for Sport