Canadian Girls’ Sport Participation on the Rise but Still Lags Behind Boys, According to New Research

Canadian Women & Sport Unveils 2024 Rally Report: A Call to Redesign Sport So All Girls Can Play

Toronto, ON (November 18, 2024) – While strides continue to be made in advancing girls’ participation in sports, a new report from Canadian Women & Sport reveals that over one million Canadian girls are still missing out on the benefits of sport, with participation levels continuing to trail behind those of boys.

Rally Report: A Call to Reimagine Sport So All Girls Can Play released today, in partnership with Canadian Tire Jumpstart Charities and global insight consultancy IMI Consulting, offers new insights into the experiences of girls aged 6 to 18. Based on a study involving more than 5,000 Canadians – including 2,000 girls and women respondents – Rally Report highlights both the progress and persistent challenges in girls’ participation in sport across Canada along with the need for a system redesign that places girls at the centre.

Overall, Rally Report shows an increase in girls’ sport participation rates, with 63% of girls now playing organized sports weekly, compared to 68% of boys. Despite this, nearly four in ten girls are still missing out on the benefits of sport, a number that rises to five in ten by age 16. Girls from lower-income households of all racial backgrounds are less likely to participate, particularly when they also have a disability.

Rally Report: A Call to Redesign Sport Key Findings:

• Participation Gaps: Nearly 4 in 10 girls – the equivalent of over one million Canadian girls – are missing out on sport, a number that jumps to 5 in 10 by age 16.
• Dropout Rates: For girls, dropout rates increase at age 16 and accelerate through their late teens, with more than 1 in 5 leaving sport during adolescence.
• Interest in Sports: Overall, 4 in 10 girls report being more interested than ever in playing sports and being active.
• Fan Engagement: 7 in 10 girls are keen to engage in women’s sports as fans.
• Impact of Appearance: 2 in 5 girls report that comments about their appearance, clothing, or religious attire impact their participation in sport.
• Role Models: Half of the girls surveyed feel inspired by coaches and role models who represent their diverse backgrounds.
• Family Support: Nearly 7 in 10 girls report that family members play a positive role in their sport experience.
• Body Confidence: 1 in 2 girls said participating in sport positively influences their body image, though 1 in 3 report that comments about their bodies undermine their confidence.
• Mental Health: 7 in 10 girls feel that sport and physical activity positively impact their mental health.
• Menstrual Cycle: Nearly 1 in 2 girls aged 13 to 18 feel that their menstrual cycle impacts their participation in sport.

A Call to Action:

Rally Report 2024 emphasizes that reimagining sport for girls requires the collective efforts of all leaders across the sport system. It calls for increased investment, girl-centred coaching practices, and the creation of safe, supportive environments where all girls feel welcome.

About Canadian Women & Sport

Canadian Women & Sport is a national nonprofit with a 43-year history of work as the leading voice and authority on women and sport. We believe in the power of sport as a platform for advancing equity for women across all areas of society. As such, we are committed to creating a more equitable and inclusive sport system that empowers women and girls as participants and leaders, within sport and through sport. www.womenandsport.ca

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Media Contact:

Greg McIsaac

Junction Communications

416-458-3591

greg@junctioncommunications.com