COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (Dec. 11, 2024) — USA Volleyball is taking a monumental step towards empowering girls in sports by partnering with Body Confident Sport and Laureus USA to foster body confidence and create an inclusive, supportive environment in volleyball. This collaboration represents a pivotal move to ensure that young female athletes not only feel welcome in sports but also thrive in an environment that encourages positive self-esteem, resilience, and a healthy relationship with their bodies.
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Understanding the Need for Body Confidence in Sports
Sports, particularly for young girls, are a powerful tool for developing both physical and mental strength. However, societal pressures surrounding body image can have a detrimental impact on self-esteem, ultimately affecting a girl’s decision to continue participating in sports. Research consistently shows that girls tend to drop out of sports at twice the rate of boys, with body image issues often cited as a primary reason. This trend is a cause for concern, as sports not only provide physical benefits but also teach life skills such as teamwork, perseverance, and discipline.
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In response to this challenge, USA Volleyball has launched a partnership with Body Confident Sport, a program designed to combat body image issues and foster a culture of confidence in young athletes. This collaboration aims to ensure that every girl who steps onto the court feels empowered, supported, and ready to excel both in the sport and in life.
The Birth of Body Confident Sport: A Science-Backed Approach
Body Confident Sport is an innovative, research-based initiative that targets girls aged 11-17, a critical age range when many girls begin to struggle with body image issues. The program was developed in collaboration with some of the leading global experts in the field, including the Centre for Appearance Research and the Tucker Center for Research on Girls & Women in Sport. These experts drew on insights gathered from girls and coaches across six countries, ensuring that the program addresses the diverse experiences and challenges young athletes face when it comes to body confidence.
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The core goal of Body Confident Sport is to provide coaches with the tools and knowledge they need to lead meaningful, impactful discussions with their athletes. By engaging in open conversations about body image, coaches can create an environment where girls feel safe, heard, and encouraged to embrace their bodies as they are. The program empowers coaches with a comprehensive toolkit that includes a curriculum of activities, discussions, and practical strategies to help young athletes build positive body image and self-esteem.
The Role of Coaches in Building Body Confidence
Coaches play a pivotal role in shaping the experiences of young athletes. With Body Confident Sport, the focus shifts from simply developing volleyball skills to supporting the emotional well-being of players. Coaches are trained through a self-guided program that equips them with the skills needed to facilitate group discussions that encourage healthy dialogue about body image. These discussions are designed to be safe spaces where girls can share their thoughts, concerns, and experiences without fear of judgment.
The program encourages coaches to adopt a supportive, empathetic approach when addressing body image. Rather than focusing solely on external appearance, the program helps athletes recognize their worth based on their abilities, character, and commitment to the sport. By fostering this type of mindset, Body Confident Sport aims to combat the negative effects of societal beauty standards and instill a sense of confidence in young athletes.
USA Volleyball’s Commitment to Empowering Girls
USA Volleyball is already making strides in implementing Body Confident Sport across the nation. The program has been piloted at various girls’ volleyball clubs and incorporated into the National Team Development Program Training Series. This initiative is a significant part of USA Volleyball’s broader mission to support the holistic development of athletes, focusing not just on technical skills but also on the mental and emotional aspects of sport.
“We are deeply committed to the development of the whole athlete,” said Dr. Peter Vint, Chief of Sport at USA Volleyball. “Body Confident Sport aligns perfectly with our vision for volleyball, ensuring that girls have the confidence and support they need to excel in the sport. This program will help us maintain a culture in volleyball where girls feel empowered, valued, and capable of reaching their full potential both on and off the court.”
The program is set to expand in 2025 with the support of a two-year grant from Laureus Sport for Good. This grant will enable USA Volleyball to make Body Confident Sport available to all of its regions and clubs across the country. The goal is to reach as many young athletes as possible, providing them with the tools they need to navigate the pressures of body image while developing their volleyball skills.
The Impact of Positive Body Image on Performance
Building body confidence does more than just improve self-esteem—it can have a direct impact on an athlete’s performance. Studies show that athletes with a positive body image tend to perform better in their respective sports. When young girls feel good about their bodies, they are more likely to engage fully in their athletic pursuits, take risks, and push their limits. This, in turn, leads to greater success both on the court and in life.
By addressing body image concerns early on, Body Confident Sport empowers young girls to approach their training with confidence and a sense of self-worth. This confidence not only improves their athletic abilities but also helps them develop resilience, perseverance, and a positive attitude toward challenges. As they grow in their sport, these young athletes also learn the importance of supporting one another, building a sense of camaraderie that extends beyond the volleyball court.
Volleyball’s Growing Popularity Among Girls
Volleyball is currently the most popular team sport for high school girls in the United States, and its appeal continues to grow. As more girls join the sport, it becomes increasingly important to create an environment that supports their emotional and mental well-being. USA Volleyball’s partnership with Body Confident Sport comes at a critical time, as it seeks to ensure that the sport remains accessible, inclusive, and empowering for girls of all backgrounds.
“Unfortunately, teenage girls drop out of sports at twice the rate of boys, often due to a lack of body confidence,” said Dr. Jenny Johnson, Director of Education Services at USA Volleyball. “By implementing this program, we are giving girls the tools they need to build a positive body image and the confidence to continue playing and thriving in volleyball. We believe this will not only help grow the sport but also positively impact the lives of young girls everywhere.”
Looking Ahead: The Future of Body Confident Sport
The future of Body Confident Sport looks promising, as its reach continues to expand and its impact grows. By prioritizing body positivity and mental well-being, USA Volleyball is leading the way in creating a more inclusive and supportive environment for girls in sports. The hope is that, over time, Body Confident Sport will inspire other sports organizations to adopt similar programs, helping girls across the world build confidence, resilience, and a lasting love for sports.
The collaboration between USA Volleyball, Body Confident Sport, and Laureus USA is more than just a partnership—it is a movement aimed at empowering the next generation of female athletes. By fostering a culture of body confidence, USA Volleyball is not only helping young girls excel in volleyball but also giving them the tools to navigate the challenges of adolescence with strength, grace, and self-assurance.
In a world where body image concerns can often overshadow athletic performance, this program offers a breath of fresh air, proving that sports can be a powerful tool for personal growth, empowerment, and self-acceptance.
As the program continues to expand and make waves across the volleyball community, it is clear that Body Confident Sport is not just a program—it’s a vital step toward reshaping the future of girls’ sports for the better.
