Girls, let’s talk about something really important - how you feel about your body and yourself. A lot of girls your age struggle with feeling good about their bodies, and that’s totally normal. But here’s the good news: you can learn to feel more positive about yourself and your body, and it can make a big difference in your confidence and happiness.

So, what’s body image all about? It’s really just how you see and feel about your own body. This can be influenced by tons of stuff, like what society pushes as “beautiful,” how people chat about weight and shape, and even the changes your body goes through as you hit puberty. These changes can feel a bit awkward, and it’s super easy to start comparing yourself to others.

But here’s the deal: everyone’s body is different, and that’s what makes us all unique and awesome.

Unfortunately, the world can sometimes make it tough to feel good about your body. There’s a lot of pressure to look a certain way, and it can really knock your self-esteem. But don’t forget, your worth isn’t tied to your size, shape, or looks. Feeling down about your body can lead to stress, low self-esteem, and even health issues. That’s why it’s super important to focus on loving and accepting yourself just the way you are.

One great way to feel better about your body is to get moving! Physical activity can make you feel stronger, healthier, and way more confident. When you’re active, you’re not just helping your body, but also your mind. Girls who stay active often feel happier and more satisfied with how they feel about their bodies.

Now, let’s chat about self-esteem: Self-esteem is all about how much you believe in yourself and what you can do. It’s pretty normal for girls to feel less confident during their teen years, especially with all the changes going on in your body and life. But here’s the scoop: you can totally build your self-esteem by focusing on what you’re good at and what you love about yourself. Getting active can also help boost your confidence because it reminds you of how strong and capable you are.

So, what can you do to feel better about yourself? Start by being nice to yourself. Instead of dwelling on what you don’t like, think about what you do like about your body and your personality. Hang out with people who lift you up and make you feel good. And don’t forget to move your body in ways that bring you joy—it’s not about how you look, but how you feel.

Remember, your body is amazing, and so are you. You’re growing, changing, and becoming the best version of yourself. Be patient with yourself, and always celebrate what makes you unique.

You’ve got this!

Predict the future by creating it

You didn’t come this far to stop

How to address challenges such as:

Body image pressure

Bodies come in all shapes and sizes — that’s what makes sport beautiful. Different body shapes and sizes come with their own benefits in each sport so celebrate what your body can DO, rather than what it LOOKS like.

We are all pretty active on social media these days, so my top tip would be to follow people who make you feel good, not those who make you compare. Remember: strength > size, always. Your body is uniquely yours - that's what makes you, YOU - so celebrate what it does for you both on and off the pitch!

Burnout

If you’re exhausted, snappy, or losing your spark, that’s your body saying, “I need a break!” 🧘‍♀️
Rest is also a crucial part of training. Recovery allows time for growth, repair, and adequate rest.

Additionally, as we become teenagers and go through puberty, our bodies change and grow as we get taller etc - this requires a LOT of energy! Food = FUEL. Food will fuel your growth and development as well as fuelling you on and off the pitch. So make sure you are fuelling properly before (sometimes during!) and after training sessions/matches to help keep your energy levels up and avoid fatigue and burnout.

Fear of failure

Something I always say to people is: "We don't win or lose... We win or learn."

Failure isn’t the opposite of success — it’s part of it. Every missed shot or bad game is a mini masterclass in resilience. Reframe it: “That didn’t go how I wanted… what can I learn from it?”

Every single athlete or sportswoman you look up to will have 'lost' a game or match or point before in their life. The key to being a successful sportswoman is to not let these losses take over, but to look at each one as a learning curve with something to be gained.

Pressure from coaches, parents, or peers

Pressure usually means people care — but it can still feel heavy. If it’s too much, I would encourage you to speak up. You’re allowed to set boundaries and say, “I need support, not stress.” 💬 This could be speaking to fellow teammates and approaching your coach together, or speaking to your coach and getting them to chat to your parents (or vice-versa!). Just remember, sport should be enjoyable, if you feel like that's being taken away from you due to too much pressure, speak up - there will always be someone who can listen and help.

www.empower-health.org

emily.empowerhealth@gmail.com

Emily Allen, Founder of EmPower Health.

Meet Emily, a passionate advocate for science, health, and fitness, who is thrilled to collaborate with "This Girl Does Sport" to inspire and support young girls in their sporting journeys. With a First-Class Honours degree in Biomedical Sciences from the University of Bath, specialising in human physiology and disease, Emily has always been fascinated by the intricate workings of the human body.

Sports and fitness have been an integral part of her life, and her dedication to understanding the female body has driven her to launch EmPower Health—a mission to empower women worldwide to embrace their unique physiology. Emily is committed to educating others about the intrinsic differences in women’s biology, helping them understand how to work with these differences to unlock their full potential.

Through her collaboration with "This Girl Does Sport," Emily aims to inspire young girls to thrive in sports by equipping them with the knowledge and confidence to embrace their bodies and capabilities. Her mission is not just about fostering athletic success but also about creating a transformative understanding of the female body that benefits everyone.

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