On this episode of Open Space Radio, we explore the critical role that parks and recreation plays in advancing sports opportunities for all youth — especially girls. Providing these opportunities is more than just fairness; it’s about giving girls the opportunities and support they need to succeed, both on and off the field. Participation in sports is linked to increased self-esteem, better academic performance and higher career aspirations for girls.

Sports also have the power to build confidence, foster leadership skills and create lifelong connections. However, girls often face barriers that prevent them from participating and staying engaged. This episode brings together leaders from various organizations to discuss strategies for making sports more inclusive and empowering for young girls.

Tune in to the full episode below to hear from experts in this space who are making a huge impact, including:

• Teresa Morrissey, Senior Program Manager at NRPA

• Kelsey Moore, Director of Social & Community Impact at Nike

• Jillian Green Loughran, Director of Strategic Initiatives at the Center for Healing and Justice Through Sport

• Julia Lankford, Director of Operations at Laureus USA Sport for Good Atlanta

You’ll learn about the importance of engaging girls in youth sports, as well as: 

• The key role parks and recreation plays in providing accessible, affordable and high-quality sports opportunities (they reach more than 40 million youth annually!)

• Why collaboration and partnerships are key to advancing girls’ participation in sports

• Strategies to break down barriers preventing girls from participating and staying in sports

• How coaches – specifically women coaches – play such a critical role in advancing this work

• How your park and recreation agency can be part of this movement and get more girls in the game

• And much more!

By investing in inclusive sports programming, training coaches and fostering partnerships, park and recreation agencies can help ensure that every girl who wants to play has the opportunity to do so.

Thank you to our guests for their insights and dedication to advancing gender equity in sports. If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe to Open Space Radio and share it with others who are passionate about the power of sports to change lives.

Resources Discussed on this Episode:

• NRPA Youth Sports Framework

• Play to Lead Report: The Generational Impact of Sports on Women’s Leadership

• Nike Coaching Girls Guide: How to Get (and Keep) Girls Playing – Strategies for Engaging & Retaining Girls in Sport

• Body Confident Sport

• Coaching HER

• Nike Super Bowl Ad: So Win.

• Center for Healing and Justice through Sport

• Laureus USA Sport for Good Atlanta

Have feedback about this episode or Open Space Radio overall? Share it with us! If you enjoyed this episode or learned something that might help you make a positive impact in your community, please consider donating to NRPA. Your gift will support our storytelling efforts and our mission to advance parks, recreation and environmental resilience efforts that enhance the quality of life for all at nrpa.org/donate.