1 . Why should girls play sports? You might say “to get exercise” and you’d be right. To have fun? That’s true, too.    1    

Girls who play sports do better in school.    2    . But research shows that girls who play sports do better in school than those who don’t. Exercise improves learning memory and concentration, which can give active girls an advantage in the classroom. 

Girls who play sports learn teamwork and goal-setting skills. Sports teaches valuable life skills. When you work with coaches, trainers, and teammates to win games and achieve goals, you’re learning how to be successful.    3    

Sports are good for a girl’s health. In addition to being fit and maintaining a healthy weight, girls who play sports are also less likely to smoke. And later in life, girls who exercise are less likely to get breast cancer.

Playing sports increases self-confidence. Girls who play sports feel better about themselves. Why?    4     And it helps girls keep a healthy weight and make new friends.

Exercise cuts the pressure. Playing sports can release stress and help you feel a little happier.    5     Friends can calm you down. And being on a team creates tight bonds between friends. It’s good to know your teammates will support you — both on and off the field!