Spike Sisters
SPIKE SISTERS
Manly Warringah Volleyball Association is focused on contributing to the development of a closer knit and supportive community in the Northern Beaches. A community where everyone feels safe, supported, confident, and fulfilled. Team sports like Volleyball have a lot to offer people on their journey to being their best self, and we here at MWVA want to ensure we play our part.
The Spike Sisters initiative is focused on attracting and keeping females of all ages in an active sporting environment so they can realise the benefits of sport throughout their lives. Take a look at some interesting insights from studies completed in Australia and around the world regarding female sport:
Female Participation in Sport: Dropout Rates and Health Benefits
Dropout Rates Among Older Teenage and Young Adult Women
Female participation in sports tends to decline significantly during late adolescence and early adulthood. According to the Women’s Sports Foundation (2019), approximately 70% of girls discontinue organized sports by age 18. This trend is influenced by factors such as increased academic and work commitments, limited access to female-specific sports programs, and societal pressures. Sport Australia (2022) reports that only about 50% of girls who participated in sports during their early teens continue engaging in some form of physical activity beyond age 18. Additionally, the National Alliance for Youth Sports (NAYS, 2021) highlights that dropout rates increase post-high school due to decreased interest and fewer opportunities compared to their male counterparts.
Positive Influence on Physical Health
Participation in sports offers numerous physical health benefits for women. The World Health Organization (WHO, 2022) states that regular physical activity through sports reduces the risk of chronic diseases such as heart disease, diabetes, and certain cancers. A study in the Journal of Sports Sciences (2021) found that women who engage in regular physical activity report higher levels of cardiovascular fitness, stronger muscles, and better bone density compared to non-active peers.