What
Girls Say
I used to love dancing, but I used to compare myself to the other girls, like look how long their thighs were, and how big mine were compared to them.’’
- Amber, dance
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Most [sport] clothing is tight, and a majority of people do not feel comfortable with this type of clothing.’’
- Isla, soccer
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This may seem positive to people but sometimes when people compliment my body it actually makes me feel bad because what if my body changes? Now I feel like I have to maintain a certain body.’’
- Chantelle, dance
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What
Coaches Say
I think a very important point is to know how to identify each girl’s problem, right? Because how to recognize it, how to learn to identify them and once we have done it, how to handle it in the correct way so that it is the best for the child in this case.”
- Coach Alan, boxing
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Mixed between the desire to provide help in talking about the body, about self-image and trying to give a positive and encouraging perception to young girls, and the desire to make them understand that the body doesn’t have to be such a central topic in their entire existence as women.’’
- Coach Isma, multisport
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Sometimes the young person is being told harmful messages about their bodies in their home lives. For example, a parent might talk about their child’s weight to the coach and say their child needs to lose weight. It can be difficult to challenge the parents without creating an uncomfortable situation with the young person or losing the trust/support of the family.”
- Coach Shedaine, multisport
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