Ep 13 | Prof Philip Morgan: The Power of Dads in Keeping Girls in Sport
What if one of the most powerful ways to keep girls in sport, is about strengthening the relationship they have with the adults who support them?
In this episode, Professor Philip Morgan, founder of the Daughters & Dads program, shares more than a decade of research exploring how fathers and father figures can help girls build confidence, competence, resilience and a lifelong connection to sport and physical activity.
Through an innovative program that combines sport, parenting strategies and quality one-on-one time, Phil and his team have seen remarkable outcomes—not only in girls' participation and skill development, but also in wellbeing, self-belief and family relationships that continue years after the program ends.
In this conversation, we explore:
- Why confidence and competence are critical to girls' participation in sport- The unique influence fathers and father figures can have in girls' lives
- How co-participation in physical activity strengthens relationships and wellbeing
- The subtle gender stereotypes girls still encounter every day
- Building resilience and helping girls navigate barriers and setbacks
- What keeps girls engaged in sport through adolescence
- Practical parenting strategies that support connection, communication and confidence
- Why belonging may be even more important than participation
This is a powerful conversation for parents, coaches, teachers and sporting organisations alike. It highlights how small, intentional actions can have a lasting impact on girls' confidence, opportunities and lifelong relationship with sport.
Learn more about Daughters & Dads (become a partner or a facilitator) https://www.daughtersanddads.com.au [https://www.daughtersanddads.com.au]
Are you looking for an innovative approach to ensure girls stay in sport?Daughters and Dads Active and Empowered is an evidence-based program that brings together fathers/father-figures and their primary-aged daughters to:
- Improve wellbeing
- Strengthen the father-child bond and improve family functioning
- Advance gender equity
- Promote physical activity in families
Daughters and Dads sport-specific programs include cricket, football, basketball and cycling. We have experience partnering with dozens of national and international partners to empower thousands of girls to thrive through sport and positive father involvement. If you are interested in learning more or partnering with the University of Newcastle, please contact DaughtersAndDads@newcastle.edu.au
If you believe in creating more visibility, stronger pathways, and better opportunities for women and girls in sport, you can support this work by becoming a WSRT member.
Join us at wsrt.org.au/membership [wsrt.org.au/membership]