Physical activity plays a vital role in the health and development of young people and for girls especially, it can be a powerful tool for building confidence, resilience, and self-expression. From improved mental wellbeing to stronger social connections, being active helps girls discover what their bodies can do, challenge themselves, and feel proud of their achievements. Yet despite the benefits, girls are still less likely than boys to take part in sport and physical activity, often facing barriers like low confidence, limited opportunities, and gender stereotypes. That’s why it’s so important to celebrate stories like Edith’s told in her mum’s words, where movement has proven to be a source of joy, empowerment, and personal growth from such a young age!
Edith’s mum, Alexa, has seen a transformation in her daughter through sport and physical activity. Edith, aged 6, has never been shy, but taking part in activities like Parkour and musical theatre has helped her grow in confidence in ways that go beyond the playground. We asked Edith how she likes to get active she said;
“Well, my FAVOURITE things are swimming and Parkour. I love Parkour because I love discovering what I can do and finding new things that I can climb, sometimes my friend Benjamin comes with me too which makes it even more fun.”
Edith also dances on stage with her musical theatre group, something that amazes Alexa every time. Her fearlessness in front of crowds and her willingness to try new things show just how much sport and movement have helped her flourish.
“Where before she might have shied away from trying new things or been wary of making new friends, she’s now confident to go into new environments and make new friends. She’s always the kid on the playground jumping off the tallest piece of equipment or tackling the monkey bars twice as high as her.”
Thanks to the basic climbing and landing skills she’s learned at Team Kinetix, one of the UK’s leading parkour and free running academies, Alexa feels reassured knowing Edith is not only adventurous but also safe. It’s a fitting example of how structured physical activity can empower children while giving parents peace of mind.
Edith’s story is part of a much bigger conversation. According to the Youth Sport Trust’s Girls Active Survey, 62% of girls say they want to be more active in school, but face barriers like lack of confidence, periods, and fear of being watched. Enjoyment of PE drops significantly with age with 86% of girls aged 7 to 8 enjoying PE, but only 56% of girls aged 14 to15 saying the same.
Confidence is a major issue, as 46% of girls aged 14 to15 say a lack of confidence stops them from being more active, compared to just 26% of girls aged 7 to 8 1. And only 1 in 4 girls aged 11 to 13 feel confident wearing their PE kit.
Despite these challenges, the benefits of sport for girls are profound. Girls who play sports report higher levels of confidence and self-esteem, lower levels of depression, and better body image than those who don’t. They’re also more likely to get better grades, graduate from school, and succeed in leadership roles later in life.
While Edith has had mostly positive experiences, her mum points out that there are still some structural barriers that could be improved, especially around gender in sport.
“Girls are welcomed pretty much everywhere, which is refreshing. But I find the way they separate boys’ and girls’ football at age five to be bizarre. Edith doesn’t care who she plays with she just wants to play. But the coaches at her school separate boys and girls into different teams, even when there aren’t enough girls to form a full team. This means the boys get match training while the girls are left playing with older girls, which can be limiting. Football is the only sport available at school as an after-school activity, and it’s mostly attended by boys. It would be nice to have an alternative activity that might appeal to a wider audience.”
Edith’s journey is a powerful reminder of what happens when girls are given the freedom to move, explore, and express themselves. Her confidence, creativity, and courage have grown through taking part in sport and she’s not just participating, she’s thriving in her ability.
Her story also highlights the importance of inclusive opportunities in schools and communities. When girls are welcomed, supported, and given the chance to take part without unnecessary barriers, they shine.
