BGCA’s Director of Sports & ESports Dollneshia Cunningham is here today with her FIRST BLOG POST with ideas for National Girls and Women in Sports Day! Hip hip hooray!
What is NGWSD?
National Girls and Women in Sports Day (NGWSD) is a nationwide celebration recognizing the achievements of female athletes, coaches, and leaders, while advocating for equality and access in sports. Since its inception in 1987, NGWSD has inspired millions to embrace the power of sports as a tool for confidence, leadership, and lifelong health. At Boys & Girls Clubs, we believe sports are more than games—they’re pathways to confidence, leadership, and lifelong success.
Why It Matters
Sports are more than games—they build resilience, teamwork, and leadership skills. Yet, girls still face barriers to participation, from lack of resources to limited representation. NGWSD shines a spotlight on breaking those barriers and creating inclusive opportunities for all.
“Sports taught me that I could be strong, confident, and unapologetically myself. Every girl deserves that chance.” — Serena Williams
The Power of Sports: By the Numbers
Sports participation isn’t just about playing—it’s about building futures. Check out these powerful stats:
Through programs like ALL STARS, Triple Play, and Esports initiatives, Boys & Girls Clubs provide safe, inclusive spaces where girls can experience fitness and wellness activities, explore athletics, develop skills, and discover their potential—on the field, in the gym, and in the digital arena.
Take Over Thursdays
Take Over Thursdays is an initiative all about encouraging girls to explore new sports, join Club teams, build relationships, gain more confidence to play, and attend girls’ and women’s sporting events right in your Club’s community. Clubs across the country are designating Thursdays as the day for girls to take over gyms and fields across the country. Make Thursdays your ‘girls only’ gaming/esports game day. Start a girl’s league and empower the girls to Take Over Thursdays at the Club.
Girls in Sports
At Boys & Girls Clubs, everyone plays. Unfortunately, nationwide surveys show that by age 14, female members drop out of sports programs at twice the rate of their male peers. That’s why the ALL STARS program places a special focus on encouraging girls to get involved in athletic activities at their Club. All ALL-STARS sports offer league options for girls. Co-ed leagues are encouraged where there are not enough of either gender to support individual leagues.
Just as every boy is different, so is every girl. You will encounter girls who want to have fun and play collaboratively as often as you encounter girls who want to play competitively and dominate the competition. In order to recruit new girls and retain existing girls as they age up, intentionally build representation into your programs and offer a variety of ways to engage. Examples of how to do this may include:
- Offering multiple sports with different levels of competitiveness (for example, Flag Football and Yoga)
- Promoting sports and recreation as a group activity as well as a competition to appeal to girls who prioritize collaborative play.
- Create designed girls sports day like Take Over Thursday.
- Encouraging girls, especially teens, to invite their friends to participate in sports leagues.
- Offering incentives, such as giveaways to girls who recruit the most new team members.
- Incorporating female role models, seeking out female coaches and high school/college mentors, and sharing images and stories about professional female athletes with all youth.
- Check out The Center for Healing & Justice Through Sport (CHJS)’s “Coaching Girls Guide” to level up your coaching strategies for recruiting and retaining girls in sports.
How You Can Get Involved in NGWSD
Feb. 4, 2026, is National Girls & Women in Sports Day! Join Women’s Sports Foundation in this nationwide celebration by finding an event near you and sharing your story with the hashtag #NGWSD2026.
- Host a Local Event: Organize a clinic, scrimmage, or panel discussion.
- Find an event near you! Visit the Women’s Sports Foundation to find an event in your area.
- Volunteer or Coach: Help create positive sports experiences for girls at your local Club.
- Share Stories: Highlight female athletes and coaches on social media using #NGWSD2026 and #BGCA.
- Advocate for equity: Support programs that provide resources and opportunities for girls in sports. Donate or volunteer with organizations promoting girls’ sports.
Looking Ahead
Together, we can create a future where girls and women have equal opportunities to succeed in sports—and beyond. Let’s celebrate their achievements today and every day. As we celebrate NGWSD, let’s commit to creating spaces where every girl can thrive—whether on the court, the field, or in the digital arena. Together, we can ensure that sports remain a powerful platform for equality and empowerment. For more resources, check out NGWSD – Women’s Sports Foundation.
How do you encourage girls to participate in sports at your Club? What are your favorite programs to instill confidence and resilience? Comment below, on the BGCA Youth Development Facebook page, or email ClubXBlog@bgca.org.
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