A new report by Women in Sport has revealed a troubling trend: more than 1 million girls in the UK who once saw themselves as sporty in primary school lose interest in physical activity during their teenage years. According to estimates, this equates to around 1.3 million girls nationwide who disengage from sport as they grow older.
The survey, which polled over 4,000 teenagers, found that while 43% of girls identified as sporty during childhood, they no longer see themselves this way by their mid-teen years.
Fear of Judgment and Low Confidence
The two leading reasons girls cited for stepping back from sport were fear of being judged (68%) and lack of confidence (61%). Almost half (47%) also pointed to the pressure of schoolwork, saying academic demands left them too busy to participate in sport.
The findings suggest that girls are not leaving sport by choice but because of psychological and cultural barriers. Compared with boys, who reported lower drop-out rates, girls were almost twice as likely to say they used to be sporty but are no longer interested in exercise.
Impact of Puberty and Menstruation
Puberty emerged as a key barrier. Nearly eight in ten girls (78%) who once loved sport admitted they avoided exercise during their period. Even among those who remained active, 64% said menstruation regularly disrupted their participation.
Overall, seven in ten girls said they avoided sport during menstruation, citing pain, tiredness, and self-consciousness as major reasons. These challenges highlight the need for better education, support, and facilities that consider the realities of female puberty.
Pandemic Effects on Body Image and Mental Health
The research also showed that the pandemic worsened body image concerns and mental health issues among teenage girls, making them even less likely to stay active. Compared to boys, girls reported higher levels of anxiety about appearance and a reduced interest in team sports, further deepening the participation gap.
The Sharp Decline in “Sporty” Identity
By the age of 17 or 18, just three in ten girls still describe themselves as sporty, compared with six in ten boys. Among younger teenagers aged 11 to 16, only 37% of girls said they enjoyed physical activity, while the figure stood at 54% for boys.
This decline in identity and self-belief reflects a wider cultural problem. Self-consciousness, fear of others watching, and negative experiences during puberty have combined to push many girls away from activities that once brought them joy.
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Psychological Barriers and Gender Stereotypes
The survey highlighted that 73% of previously sporty girls said discomfort with being watched was a key obstacle. According to Women in Sport, this demonstrates how deep-rooted gender stereotypes and social pressures contribute to teenage girls leaving sport behind.
Stephanie Hilborne, Chief Executive of Women in Sport, called the findings “a travesty,” warning that losing sport during teenage years means a loss of joy, resilience, and long-term health benefits.
The Role of Schools and Declining PE Time
The report also pointed to reduced PE time in schools as a factor. Despite the promises of the London 2012 Olympic legacy, school sports provision has steadily declined. This has left many girls with fewer opportunities to remain engaged, particularly at the critical stage between primary and secondary school.
A lack of structured opportunities during puberty exacerbates the decline, leaving many girls without the confidence or motivation to stay active.
The Benefits of Sport for Girls
Research has long shown that playing sport helps build resilience, confidence, teamwork, and adaptability. Women who continue sports participation into adulthood report higher levels of self-belief and an improved ability to manage stress.
The report stressed that teenage girls are not choosing to drop out but are being pushed out by systemic barriers, from inadequate opportunities to poor understanding of the impact of puberty on young women.
The Call to Action
Women in Sport is urging the sport, leisure, and education sectors to act quickly. The charity argues that targeted investment, better facilities, and inclusive programs are essential to keeping girls engaged through the transition to secondary school and puberty.
“It is well documented that sport has profound effects on mental and physical wellbeing,” Hilborne said. “Teenage girls are not voluntarily leaving sport – they are being failed by stereotypes, systems, and lack of support. We must not accept this as inevitable.”
Bottom Line
The research shows a systemic failure to support girls in sport during their teenage years. Unless urgent action is taken, millions of girls will continue to lose not only their connection to physical activity but also the confidence, resilience, and lifelong health benefits that come with it.
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FAQs – Girls Dropping Out of Sport
Q1: How many girls in the UK drop out of sport during teenage years?
According to Women in Sport, around 1.3 million girls who were sporty at primary school lose interest in physical activity as teenagers.
Q2: What are the main reasons teenage girls stop playing sport?
The most common reasons include fear of judgment (68%), lack of confidence (61%), and schoolwork pressures (47%).
Q3: How does puberty affect girls’ participation in sport?
Puberty brings physical and emotional challenges. 78% of girls who once enjoyed sport said they avoided exercise during their period due to pain, tiredness, or embarrassment.
Q4: Are boys dropping out of sport at the same rate?
No. Only 24% of boys said they used to be sporty but lost interest, compared to 43% of girls. This shows a much steeper decline for girls.
Q5: What solutions are being proposed?
Experts are calling for better PE provision in schools, education on puberty, inclusive facilities, and campaigns to challenge gender stereotypes that discourage girls from sport.
