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    As roles change, so does the world. It is widely acknowledged that sports can be an effective catalyst for change. Sports participation can boost self-esteem and encourage leadership roles. In this changing world, girls now have the opportunity, the pride, and the enjoyment of watching and participating as proudly as boys. Girls and women everywhere can live healthier, happier lives and achieve great heights both on and off the court.

       Playing sports serves to promote, encourage and motivate the development of physical activity and sports participation for all Americans. Over the past two decades, girls' and women's involvement in sports has increased dramatically. Today, more girls are participating in a broad variety of physical activities and sports than ever before. No longer relegated to the sidelines, girls can share the social, physical and emotional benefits of sports and physical activity. Girls participate, not only for competitive reasons, but to get in shape, socialize, improve skills and have fun. Sports and physical activity can make a significant difference in the lives of girls and women. You can look younger and feel younger without expensive diets or health club memberships.

     Exercise and strength training benefit both women and men. Many women are reluctant to get involved in strength training and if this includes you, go to the library and get a copy of Miriam Nelson's book, Strong Women Stay Slim. Dr. Nelson's book will help change your mind and you may find it motivating. Strength training benefits adults of any age. Studies have found it helpful in improving the strength and fitness of people in their 80s. Improved muscular strength increases the likelihood that you will keep physically active.

Here are just a few of the ways sports benefit girls:

    Sports help build important social skills like teamwork, determination, cooperation and problem solving.

    Boost self-esteem. Exercise and sports help many girls have positive feelings about their body image.

    Many girls enjoy improved self-esteem and increased self-confidence when they play!

    Benefit of mind and body. Exercise and sports participation can enhance the physical and mental health of adolescent females.

    Relieve stress and the blues. Physical activity can help reduce symptoms of stress and depression among girls.

    Higher education. Sports are educational assets. Many high school female athletes report higher grades and standardized test scores and lower dropout rates, and are more likely to go on to college than their non-athletic counterparts.

     Live longer and healthier. Regular physical activity in adolescence can reduce girls' risk for obesity, which can lower adult onset of heart disease, osteoporosis and certain cancers. Research proves physical activity often improves quality of life.

Tips To Find The Right Sports Program In Your Area.

    Childhood and adolescence are critical times to lay the foundation for lifelong physical activity. Sports participation can significantly help girls through challenging periods and set the tone for a healthy adult life. Unfortunately too many young people, especially girls, are not active enough. Here are some practical tips on steps you can take to get involved in your local community and encourage girls to reach their full potential:

  1. Contact your local school. Take advantage of sports programs offered by your local school and sign up to play! School-based sports programming is a terrific way for girls to get involved in sports at an early age. If programs are limited, work with the school board or PTA to develop a program for the next season.

  2. Research programs offered by your local park district. Park districts are a great resource for organized sports programs and activities. They offer a wide variety of classes that can augment involvement in school-based sports and keep girls active year-round.

  3. Call local sports teams to learn about programs they offer. Many college athletic organizations host special clinics, camps and tournaments run by coaches and players. Contact local colleges to learn about dates and times of these activities or check your local newspapers for ads and information.

  4. Contact local YWCA/YMCA, Boys & Girls Clubs or other youth organizations. These community-focused organizations sponsor a number of competitive and recreational leagues. Often, these leagues are organized to meet the needs of s variety of skill and age levels.

  5. Take a lesson. Individual and group lessons are an ideal way to learn the basics or improve skills. Consider enrolling the entire family in a group lesson as a way to integrate sports into family life.  Try a new sport! Tennis is easy and fun - or join a team at your school.

  6. Sign up for a summer camp. Basketball camps are offerred at many colleges over the Summer break. Contact summer camps specializing in a specific sport you enjoy. Camps are a great place to learn about teamwork, make new friends, and have fun.  Sign up with your friends to make it more fun.

  7. Team up with parents coaches and teachers. Work together to inspire girls to participate in a wide range of activity and ensure your community offers sufficient programming. Networking is an effective way to identify opportunities to get involved.

  8. Join a health club. Health club memberships offer the flexibility to engage in numerous physical activities such as aerobics and swimming. In addition, many clubs offer private instruction.

  9. Enroll in Girl Scouts or other similar organizations. These community-based, girl-focused organizations can play an important role in motivating girls to participate in health-related fitness activities that build motor skills for a lifetime of activity.