Study backs mental health benefits of girls’ football

PLAYERS at North Geelong Warriors Football Club have assisted in a research study evaluating the benefits of playing sport for young women.

The study explored how football can support positive wellbeing outcomes for girls, as participation continues to rise following the success of the Matildas at the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup.

Club administrator Nick Hopper said the findings reinforced the club’s confidence in the way it supports its players both on and off the field.

Hopper said the club was eager to work with RMIT University because the project aligned closely with the club’s existing focus on supporting and empowering junior players.

With strong participation from the club’s nearly 300 junior female players, along with parents and officials, researchers conducted interviews to better understand how girls experience football and the role it plays in their lives.

Lead researcher Associate Professor Bronwyn Coate said the findings showed a link between positive mental health outcomes and the sense of belonging to a team.

 

“In adolescence, having multiple social circles is really protective for mental health. The girls talked about their teammates as a ‘second family’. That sense of belonging is incredibly powerful,” she said.

Teenager Sophie Hopper, who took part in the study, said the findings reflected her own experience.

“Playing soccer means everything to me,” she said.

“When I was younger it was just fun, but now it’s about developing as a player on the pitch and a person off it. My soccer family is always growing.”

Players who reported a stronger sense of belonging were more likely to experience lower anxiety, stronger peer relationships and higher levels of life satisfaction, meaning and purpose.

Positive wellbeing outcomes were consistent across all levels of competition within the club, with the research showing relationships and club culture were more influential than competition level itself.

 

Hopper said the club can use the results to not only uplift the girls involved in the club, but the whole club community.

“Although this study is about supporting women and girls, this is understanding more about what it means to be a community club in the area and building our confidence that the things that we’re doing are having a positive impact beyond just players playing football and winning games,” he said.

“This shows sport has a much more far-reaching impact.

“The report itself is brilliant because it tells us what we are doing well and how we can support the young women that are at our club, but it also builds that confidence as a club that we are moving in the right direction too.”

Club vice-president Stripe Kump said community clubs have a huge role off-field in supporting their players.

“Being part of a team outside school offers adolescent girls’ extra friendship, support and encouragement, which can reduce anxiety, build confidence and provide a positive outlet from academic and social pressures,” he said.

“Girls’ need to feel they are valued and be seen, heard and supported to encourage their thriving.”