Key Takeaways
- NRPA launches Get Her in the Game campaign with Nike support to address girls dropping out of sports at higher rates than boys nationwide.
- Research identified barriers including fewer opportunities compared to boys, lack of women in coaching roles, and limited access to equipment and facilities.
- Campaign targets park and recreation agencies, which serve as one of the largest providers of youth sports programs in the United States.
- Initiative provides professional training, research resources, and community action tools to help agencies create more welcoming sport environments for girls.
Nike Partnership Targets Girls’ Participation Gap
The National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA) launched the Get Her in the Game campaign on January 28, 2026, an initiative supported by Nike to create more welcoming sport environments for girls through parks and recreation programs.
The campaign addresses what NRPA describes as a growing participation gap, with girls dropping out of sports at higher rates than boys or not entering sports programs at all. The partnership between NRPA and Nike was announced in fall 2024.
“Every girl deserves the chance to feel confident, capable and supported on and off the field,” said Kristine Stratton, NRPA president and CEO. “Through this campaign, we’re not just encouraging participation; we’re reimagining sport environments, so girls feel they belong, have the ability to flourish and have the strength to lead.”
Research Identifies Key Barriers to Entry and Retention
NRPA partnered with Nike to conduct research examining challenges girls face in sports participation through parks and recreation programs. The research identified specific obstacles preventing girls from entering or staying in sports:
- Fewer opportunities compared to boys
- Lack of women in coaching and volunteer roles
- Challenges navigating adolescence
- Lack of access to equipment and space
- Competing responsibilities at home, school, or work
According to the research findings, girls are not entering or staying in sports at the same rate as boys, despite documented benefits including higher self-confidence, stronger social connections, and leadership skill development.
Implementation Through Park and Recreation Systems
The campaign targets park and recreation agencies as delivery vehicles for change. NRPA positions local park and recreation agencies as critical players due to their scale as youth sports providers, offering affordable, community-based programs that reach millions of children annually.
“Nike is powering the future of youth sport, with the vision of a world that inspires all youth to play and achieve their greatest potential,” said Matt Geschke, senior director of Americas, Social & Community Impact at Nike. “Together with NRPA, through Get Her in the Game, we’re changing the game for girls and the coaches who serve them in park and recreation programs across the United States.”
The initiative provides professional training and resources designed to help park and recreation professionals create more welcoming programs, elevate women leaders in sports and coaching roles, and remove obstacles preventing girls from participating.
Campaign Scope and Available Resources
Get Her in the Game operates through three main channels: national awareness efforts, professional training programs, and community-driven action initiatives. NRPA and Nike are calling on agencies, coaches, and local leaders to join the movement.
NRPA has released a Youth Sports in Parks and Recreation report as part of the campaign resources. Additional materials and information are available through the campaign website.
The organization has more than 60,000 members and describes itself as the leading nonprofit dedicated to building communities through parks and recreation.
via: Globe News
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