IDA Sports’ Post

7 in 10 teenage girls avoid exercise or playing sport when they are on their period. Sports aren’t just about staying fit—they’re about building mental strength, confidence, and teamwork. For girls, being active can boost self-esteem, reduce stress, and create lifelong friendships.  But here’s the problem: too many girls are dropping out of sports because of one thing—periods. Let’s be real. Periods can be a hassle, especially when you’re trying to stay active. Whether it’s worrying about leaks, dealing with cramps, too embarrassed to discuss your cycle, or just feeling self-conscious, it’s no wonder so many girls decide to sit out. Top athletes like those in the Ladies European Tour have started using smart strategies and tech to manage their periods and keep performing at their best. But why should that be limited to pros? Every girl deserves the tools, support, and confidence to stay in the game, no matter what time of the month it is. We need to normalise talking about #periods in sports, make sure coaches are supportive, and give girls access to the right products and info. Let’s make periods just another part of the game - not a reason to sit on the sidelines. By breaking down these barriers, we can help more girls stay active, strong, and ready to take on whatever comes their way. It’s time to keep girls in the game, period. Uncover deeper truths. Talk to Hummingbird Insights.   #menstruationmatters #heathcare #marketresearch #consumerbehavior Women in Sport

Sports offer benefits that girls may miss out on. “A shocking 2022 survey by Women in Sport reported that over 1 million adolescent girls (43%) who previously considered themselves sporty stopped playing sports during middle school.” “Sports are also incredibly beneficial for mental health, with research showing participation can improve mood and ease stress. For example, a 2019 study found that kids who played team sports had fewer mental health difficulties. And a 2022 study found that playing sports in adolescence is linked to developing and sustaining "grit" throughout one's life." https://lnkd.in/earabNA3

As a female athlete, I’ve experienced the mental ups and downs that come with high-performance sports, and that’s why I created Hera Elite Performance. It’s all about empowering and elevating women in sports—building a community where we can support each other to thrive. 💪 I’m here to share my journey, mental training tips, and insights to help female athletes and their support systems stay strong, resilient, and passionate about their sport. This is just the beginning, and I’m excited to have you along for the ride! 🚀 Let’s grow together and create a more supportive environment for women in sports. Follow along for inspiration, motivation, and all things female athlete empowerment! 🙌💥 #WomenInSports #SportsPsychology #MentalResilience #FemaleAthletes #HeraElitePerformance #Empowerment #PeakPerformance #MindsetMatters #SupportFemaleAthletes

The Women's Sports Foundation released this incredible report today titled “Thriving Through Sport.” After reading through the work, two of the key findings really stood out to me. First, the statistics regarding youth sports involvement for girls with intersectional identities and/or marginalized communities was staggering. The lack of access and ongoing trends of inequity still need to be at the forefront of our minds. Additionally, the takeaway that sports sampling leads to better mental health outcomes than specialization stood out. The emphasis on one-sport athletes has been a toxic trend and expectation put upon “the best” athletes in my generation and beyond. However, that kind of pressure and lack of freedom can deteriorate a young person, both mentally and physically. Encouraging multisport participation must be a goal of every youth sports stakeholder. I’d recommend anyone interested in the development and support of youth sports and specifically girls in sports check out the executive summary and infographic detailing the findings.

We know how important sports can be to the positive mental wellbeing of youth. But what is the make-up of a positive environment for youth sports, and particularly for Black girls? 🏀👧🏾 Coach Ramona, who's coached high school Volleyball for the past 10 years, shares her top 3 tips for creating a positive environment for Black girls playing sport. 🏐👩🏾🦱 💬👧🏾 Cultivate a positive and caring culture – be approachable and encourage girls to use their voices. 🎯👧🏾Help girls focus on the process – it’s not just about the outcome. Helping girls to break down a larger goal into bite-sized chunks will help to keep them focused and help them build their confidence. 👩🏾💼Connect girls with role models they can relate to – it may be another girl who looks like them, shares a similar background, or has achieved great success in a field they're interested in. These tips are opportunities to inspire confidence among the girls you work with and motivate them to believe in their potential. 🌟 Beyond Sport Doc Wayne Youth Services, Inc. #HeadInTheGame #BlackHistoryMonth #BlackMentalHealth #BlackMentalHealthMatters #Coach #Inclusion

What Role Does Sport Play in Our Society? I've completed the insightful course "Sports & Society" from Duke University, and it’s really got me thinking about the deeper significance of sports in shaping our world. Beyond competition, sports can challenge societal norms, foster a sense of identity, and even provoke change. We covered, for example, the way the role of women in sports continues to evolve, highlighting important conversations about equality and representation. Moreover, athletes often use their platforms to spark discussions around social justice, mental health, and human rights. So, what do you think? How do sports influence societal values and reflect the issues we face today? What role do they play in your life? Or which athletes are influential to your world view? #SportsAndSociety #DukeUniversity #WomenInSports #AthletesForChange #SportsAndEquality #SportsImpact #ReflectAndLearn

Self-development is a lifelong journey that fuels personal growth and empowerment. In sports, this journey is accelerated through continuous learning, skill-building, and resilience. Networking within sports amplifies these benefits, opening doors to new opportunities, diverse perspectives, and strong support systems. For women, engaging in sports not only enhances physical health but also transforms overall lifestyle, fostering confidence, discipline, and leadership that extend beyond the field. This ongoing pursuit of self-improvement and connection drives holistic success and empowerment in every aspect of life. #momentum #SheOwnsHerSuccess #she_is_legion_for_she_is_many