2020-2021 Bootcamp Series
Join Us Virtually!
Advancing gender equality within sports is a big game. Girl Up is excited to hit the ground running and kick off our 2020-2021 Sports for a Purpose Bootcamp Tour!
This bootcamp tour is a series that will allow you to build understanding and skills as you go, as each bootcamp will cover a different topic surrounding the gender gap in Sports. Throughout the series, we’ll cover everything from sports facility accessibility, social stigmas girl athletes face, pay equity, media representation, to the importance of sports in becoming a successful leader! You can expect to hear from professional women in Sports and you’ll have the opportunity to create an action plan to advancing girls’ sports participation in your community.
If you are up to the challenge of attending every 2020-2021 bootcamp, you’ll receive a Sports Leadership Badge from Girl Up! In November 2021, we will culminate the series by gathering to gain inspiration from fellow Club members and discuss ways you have taken initiative in your Community.

Here’s our lineup of our 2020/2021 Sports events. Check back often for future registration links!
December 2020: Girls Access and Opportunity in Sports (12/11): Register here.
Spring 2021: Mental and Physical Health and Safety.
Spring 2021: Representation of Women in Sports and Media Coverage
July 2021: Girl Up Leadership Summit Sports Day of Action
Fall 2021: Importance of Sports for Leadership Development and Pay Equity
Fall 2021: Sports Innovation Lab
Did you miss it?
Join Girl Up, WWE, and Women’s Sports Foundation for virtual #SportsForAPurpose panel discussions bringing together sports leaders, athletes, and young changemakers!
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SFAP Virtual Panel #1 – April 9 at 2:30 PM EST
Join Sarah Axelson, Stephanie McMahon, and Swin Cash for a panel on leadership & pay equity!
Missed it? Watch it here -
SFAP Virtual Panel #2 – April 13 at 2:30 PM EST
Join Charlotte Flair, Olivia Wayne, & Mary Kate Callahan for a panel on media coverage in sports!
Missed it? Watch it here -
SFAP Virtual Panel #3 – April 15 at 2:30 PM EST
Join Alexa Bliss, Chris Mosier, & Jessamyn Stanley for a panel on physical & mental health!
Missed it? Watch it here
INTRODUCTION
Sports For A Purpose
Let’s get ready for equality! Girl Up is tackling gender inequality in sports to inspire to inspire and empower girls to break down gender barriers in sports in their own communities and around the world. Participation in sports builds leadership skills both on and off the field. Learn more about the gender inequities girls face in sports and how you can take action to level the playing field for girls everywhere.
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64%
of girls will have quit sports by the age of 16-17
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80%
of girls feel they do not belong in sports
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5%
of U.S. sports media coverage features women
why girls?
Developing Leadership Skills
From youth sports teams and professional athletes, to the back-end business of sports, girls and women face discrimination, a lack of access and limited opportunities in sports. Gender inequities are everywhere—limited funding, little media coverage of female athletes and women’s sports, and the pervasive body shaming of female athletes, to name just a few.
Sports and team activities are a proven way to develop girls’ leadership skills and confidence. Until we level the playing field for girls in sports, we won’t fully realize gender equality.
Here Are The Facts
- Girls are less likely than boys to participate in sports. About 40% of teen girls in the US do not participate in sports, compared with 25% of boys (Women’s Sports Foundation).
- By age 14, girls drop out of sports at twice the rate boys drop out of sports (Play Like a Girl).
- Reflecting on their own careers, 61% of the women executives believe that their personal involvement in sport contributed positively to their career success and advancement (Ernst & Young, 2014).
A 2019 survey found that 77% of Girl Up Club members believe there are gender barriers that prevent girls from participating in sports. In addition, 80% of Girl Up Club members have experienced (or know someone who experienced) low attendance at girls’ sports events and body shaming of athletes. It’s time to put gender inequalities in the spotlight and create change.
Show your Support
Show your support for gender equality in sports by signing our 2021 Summer Olympics petition.
Get Involved
Ready to level the playing field?
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Learn the Facts
Learn more about gender discrimination in sports.
Resources -
Take a Stand
Sign our petition to show you really care about this issue.
Sign the Petition -
Join the Community
Get together with others who want to break down barriers in sports.
Register