Spike Sisters
SPIKE SISTERS
Manly Warringah Volleyball Association is focused on contributing to the development of a closer knit and supportive community in the Northern Beaches. A community where everyone feels safe, supported, confident, and fulfilled. Team sports like Volleyball have a lot to offer people on their journey to being their best self, and we here at MWVA want to ensure we play our part.
The Spike Sisters initiative is focused on attracting and keeping females of all ages in an active sporting environment so they can realise the benefits of sport throughout their lives. Take a look at some interesting insights from studies completed in Australia and around the world regarding female sport:
Female Participation in Sport: Dropout Rates and Health Benefits
Dropout Rates Among Older Teenage and Young Adult Women
Female participation in sports tends to decline significantly during late adolescence and early adulthood. According to the Women’s Sports Foundation (2019), approximately 70% of girls discontinue organized sports by age 18. This trend is influenced by factors such as increased academic and work commitments, limited access to female-specific sports programs, and societal pressures. Sport Australia (2022) reports that only about 50% of girls who participated in sports during their early teens continue engaging in some form of physical activity beyond age 18. Additionally, the National Alliance for Youth Sports (NAYS, 2021) highlights that dropout rates increase post-high school due to decreased interest and fewer opportunities compared to their male counterparts.
Positive Influence on Physical Health
Participation in sports offers numerous physical health benefits for women. The World Health Organization (WHO, 2022) states that regular physical activity through sports reduces the risk of chronic diseases such as heart disease, diabetes, and certain cancers. A study in the Journal of Sports Sciences (2021) found that women who engage in regular physical activity report higher levels of cardiovascular fitness, stronger muscles, and better bone density compared to non-active peers.
Positive Influence on Mental Wellbeing
Engaging in sports also significantly enhances mental health and wellbeing. The American Psychological Association (APA, 2023) reports that physical activity is linked to lower levels of depression and anxiety among young women. A meta-analysis published in The Lancet Psychiatry (2022) found that women who participate in regular physical activity experience improved mood, better stress management, and increased self-esteem. Furthermore, the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW, 2023) highlights that women involved in sports report higher overall life satisfaction and a greater sense of community and belonging. Team sports, in particular, contribute to enhanced social skills and reduced feelings of isolation.
What we're doing
While female participation in sports offers significant physical and mental health benefits, addressing the high dropout rates among older teenage and young adult women is crucial. Strategies such as increasing access to female-specific programs, creating supportive environments, and balancing sports with other life commitments can help sustain their involvement. MWVA's Spike Sisters Initiative brings female members of all ages in our club together to play games with each other and hear from special guest female speakers talking through their own sporting journeys, and the impact it had on their lives.
MWVA will continue to build on this initiative for the benefit of as many female volleyballers as it can.
Want to be involved?
We need all the help we can get to make this initiative an ongoing success that benefits females everywhere. If you think you can make a positive contribution; send an email to info@manlyvolleyball.com.au letting us know how you want to get involved.
Information Sources
- Women’s Sports Foundation. (2019). The Sport Participation of Girls and Women. Retrieved from https://www.womenssportsfoundation.org
- National Alliance for Youth Sports (NAYS). (2021). Youth Sports Participation and Dropout Rates. Retrieved from https://www.nays.org
- Sport Australia. (2022). Women in Sport 2022 Report. Retrieved from https://www.sportaus.gov.au
- World Health Organization (WHO). (2022). Physical Activity and Health. Retrieved from https://www.who.int
- Journal of Sports Sciences. (2021). Physical Health Benefits of Regular Sports Participation in Women.
- American Psychological Association (APA). (2023). Physical Activity and Mental Health. Retrieved from https://www.apa.org
- The Lancet Psychiatry. (2022). Meta-analysis of Physical Activity and Mental Health in Women.
- Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW). (2023). Physical Activity and Wellbeing in Australia. Retrieved from https://www.aihw.gov.au
The centre-piece of the Spike Sisters logo is a variation of a Celtic Knot. Many Celtic Knots are said to represent the root system of an ancient oak tree. Celts and Druids revered nature, particularly ancient oak trees, and considered them sacred. They saw the oak tree as a symbol of strength, power, wisdom, and endurance. The roots of the oak tree aren't visible above the ground, and therefore are a symbolic source of inner strength. Celtic Knots were used for decorations, as spiritual charms, and as teaching aids. The symbol would be called upon by the ancient Celts to provide strength and inner wisdom in challenging situations.
Like many Celtic knot symbols, the Spike Sisters Knot is made up of intertwined lines with no beginning or end. The special thing about the Spike Sisters knot is the six circular "volleyball" shapes that also represent the six players on a volleyball court. The knot also incorporates sharp, or "Spike" sections in the pattern - another reference to Volleyball and the name of the initiative.
The Celtic Knot is contained within a circular emblem - another representation of eternal strength. It's coloured Maroon to represent the Manly Warringah community holding this initiative close at heart. And the Pink? Pink is universally recognised as the colour that represents the female gender, and that's what this initiative is all about!