GREENSBORO, N.C. — According to national data, a growing number of girls are quitting sports at an earlier age. A North Carolina based soccer club says they’re seeing the same trend firsthand.

What You Need To Know

  • Girls across the state and country are starting to quit sports at a younger age

  • Aaryn Gabriel has been playing soccer since she was 5 years old, and sees value in the sport on and off the field

  • She will play for a NCAA Division 1 college next year

According to the National Federation of State High School Associations, there were about 161,000 fewer girls playing high school sports in the 2021-22 school year. When compared to the 2018-19 school year, it was a 4.7% decrease for girls. 

N.C. Fusion, a soccer club in the Greensboro area geared for young athletes, found that 40% of girls on their team are quitting by age 15, according to surveys and player registration data. However, those who stuck with the sport tended to have better leadership skills.

Aaryn Gabriel has been playing soccer since she was 5 years old. She joined N.C. Fusion when she was 13. She says she gained a love for the sport quickly.

“I just think every time I get on the field, I just feel so relaxed, and all I’m thinking about is soccer and, like, scoring and, you know, putting the ball in the back of the net,” Gabriel said.

A big reason she thinks girls are quitting soccer — the injuries.

“Three years ago, I tore my ACL, and it’s happening a lot more frequently in younger girls. I think without the right support system or the right trainers or everything, you’re going to feel discouraged and you’re not going to want to play,” Gabriel said. 

There may be a mix of reasons why girls are quitting soccer, but there are also many solutions to the problem, according to N.C. Fusion. The club recently started a campaign to showcase why playing sports are important, and why it’s crucial to be on a team with others.

Head of IT and Analytics Chris Barnhart says they used Microsoft AI tools to identify this trend and help them launch a multi-channel digital campaign with videos of former players of N.C. Fusion, explaining why playing on a sports team is important and how it’s helped them excel in their lives.

He said the goal of the videos is to encourage current and prospective players not just stick to soccer, but any sport.