While participation in girls' sports has grown tremendously in recent years, many girls continue to lack access to high-quality sports programs. In a recent study by the Women’s Sports Foundation, girls were more likely to have never played sports (43.1% girls vs. 34.5% boys) and less likely to be currently playing sports (36.4% girls vs 45.6% boys). In addition, they found that girls have 1.3 million fewer opportunities to play high school sports than boys.
February 5 is National Girls and Women in Sports Day, and this year, we’re on a mission through our Get Girls in the Game campaign to grow girls sports throughout New York City. To start, we’ve announced our plan to launch a free Girls Community Basketball League at the Post in Brooklyn beginning March 17.
“Our goal is to provide girls with basketball programming along the entire spectrum from introduction to game to competitive play,” said David Ludwig, Senior Director of Community Programs. If we provide this pathway in a supportive environment, we know they'll develop the skills and love of the game needed to become lifelong basketball players!
Why Participation Matters
Participation in sports is proven to set girls up for a lifetime of health, wellness, and success.
- Girls who play sports have stronger immune systems and reduce their risk of chronic illnesses like as heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, endometrial, colon and breast cancers.
- Girls and women who play sports have higher states of psychological well-being than girls and women who do not play sports.
- EY reports that 94% of women who hold executive positions have previously played sports.
Girls’ Sports at Asphalt Green
As part of our mission to bring sports, fitness, and play to all, Asphalt Green is committed to growing girls’ sports in New York City through a wide range of programming, from recreational leagues and classes to elite competitive teams. Our sports include swimming, soccer, volleyball, basketball, tennis, and plenty more.
In addition to our paid sports programs, we reduce barriers to play through our free and low-cost Community Sports Leagues. In our unique model, we administer sports leagues at low cost to schools and free for athletes and provide kids with free uniforms, professional referees, equipment, and instructional clinics.
“Asphalt Green's commitment to equitable access to sports, fitness, and play is evident in our wide range of sports offerings for girls. By offering a diverse range of sports and levels of competitiveness, Asphalt Green creates safe and inclusive places for girls and women to grow in a supportive environment.” -- Allie Falco, Senior Director of Sports Operations
Support Our Campaign
By contributing to our Get Girls in the Game Campaign, you can help grow our co-ed, free Community Sports Leagues to get more girls in the game than ever before. All proceeds from the campaign will go directly toward expanding our Community Sports Leagues throughout New York City.