Sport Committee

As students in Clare School (Years 9 and 10), we recognise that between these year levels girls often experience a turning point in their participation in sports.  A study done by Suncorp as part of the Team Girls campaign found that nearly 50% of girls turn their back on sport by the age of seventeen.  Furthermore, 55% of Australian girls play sport compared to 69% of boys the same age.  This can be due to many reasons such as self-esteem, lack of time, and other commitments.  The same study found that one in three girls quit sport because they think they’re not good at it.  Further research found that 25% of girls aged fourteen to sixteen felt they weren’t confident enough to participate in sport outside of school, and that over a third of girls weren’t participating in sport due to schoolwork commitments. 

Throughout Year 9 some would say that it is the turning point in sport.  Those who enjoy being outside and having fun in a different environment tend to continue to learn and develop new skills throughout the end of their high school journey.  However, the majority of girls find that they no longer have a passion for sport.  Sport and physical activity is an important part of life.  In stressful times sport can be a great way to relieve stress as you are taking your mind off your worries and focusing on something else.  Sport and other activities allow you to challenge yourself and set personal goals.  Physical activity helps improve your coordination and balance, which are skills needed in everyday life.  Sport is a great way to make new friends and relieve stress; it is important that everyone encourages friends and family to be involved in sport.

In conclusion, staying in sports is very important for teenage girls' overall wellbeing. Fortunately, there is a wide variety of sports offered through Mount Alvernia that is open to anyone throughout the College.  Not only is it competitive and fun, but there is a positive and encouraging atmosphere that is centred around girls lifting other girls up. Furthermore, it’s a great opportunity to meet new people and develop friendships.  Overall, we urge girls throughout the College to participate in the sports offered or physical activity outside school, due to its many benefits.   

Sally Galvin and Ella Shackel 

Years 9 and 10 Sports Representatives