Girls often face barriers to meaningful sport participation, especially within men-dominated sports. Increasing inclusive sport spaces for girls is crucial for fostering enjoyment in sport. Canadian Girls Baseball is a women-led organization that offers girls-only programming and intentional leadership opportunities to encourage girls’ retention in sport.
The study purpose was to explore participants’ experiences of gender within this context. Twenty-four participants (17 youth, 7 junior coaches) completed a personal meaning map and engaged in a focus group. Two themes were created: (a) gendered realities in baseball and (b) gender-inclusive sport spaces for social and personal growth.
Within theme one, participants articulated exposure to women mentors and girl-identifying peers encouraged their sustained involvement in baseball and facilitated positive shifts in baseball culture, which was meaningful given previous negative experiences in men-dominated baseball spaces.
Within theme two, participants outlined that being in this girls-only environment fostered connection between peers and coaches, promoting a psychologically safe atmosphere, comfort, and authentic expression. The inclusive environment fostered empowerment and personal growth.
Findings extend understanding of how girls-only sport spaces can reduce gendered barriers, promote inclusion, mentorship, and meaningful participation.
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