Adolescent girls’ perspectives and experiences on sport participation

Adolescence is a critical life stage for engagement in sport. Sport participation during adolescence is important for physical, mental and social development, and is the foundation for sporting success and physical activity into adulthood. However, adolescence is also a time of transition away from sport and physical activity – particularly in girls. Associate Professor Michelle Smith MACP is a Titled Sports and Exercise Physiotherapist. She is Program Director for the Masters of Sports and Exercise Physiotherapy and Masters of Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy programs at The University of Queensland, Co-director of the International Ankle Consortium, and Co-director of the Sports Injury Rehabilitation and Prevention for Health (SIRPH) research unit.