Laura Trott Encourages Girls To Play #likeagirl  

British cyclist and Olympic gold medallist Laura Trott is partnering with Always’ #LikeAGirl campaign to share her own story and encourage girls to keep playing sport.

Data from the most recent Always’ Confidence & Puberty Survey, shows that by the end of puberty, over half of girls surveyed (64%) will have quit playing sport. As part of the #LikeAGirl campaign Always also partnered with documentary filmmaker Nanette Burstein to find out how girls feel about playing sport.

The new #LikeAGirl video, asked girls about their athletic experiences, the challenges and the benefits, what helped them stay in the game, or what led them to quit. Hear their stories and be motivated by their passionate rallying call for all girls to keep playing.

The survey also revealed that 8 out of 10 girls who quit sport during puberty felt they did not belong in sport and 61% wish there were more female role models in sport.

Laura Trott said: “For me, it’s about being a role model and trying to inspire girls not to give up. We all go through it, but puberty can be such challenging time for girls, you suddenly feel really self-conscious about lots of things and start thinking you can’t or shouldn’t do certain activities. I remember kids making fun of me for cycling and wearing a helmet and that would really knock my confidence. But playing sport taught me that by believing in myself, and never quitting, you can achieve great things.

“That’s why I am proud to be supporting the Always #LikeAGirl mission to help stop the drop in confidence girls experience at puberty. Sport really is one of the strongest confidence building activities and as a female athlete competing in the Olympic Games I want to encourage and inspire girls everywhere to keep playing #LikeAGirl and never quit.”

The recent Always survey found that girls reported that three of the top benefits of staying involved in sport are increased confidence, teamwork, and staying in shape. However, despite the known benefits, girls still report that they don’t feel like they belong in sport. Further, 67% of girls feel that society does not encourage them to play sport.

“The Olympic Games is a time when – all around the world – female sports participation is elevated in the public eye, and for that reason, we could not think of a better moment to drive awareness of the critical role sport play in building girls’ confidence,” states Michele Baeten, associate brand director and Always #LikeAGirl leader at Procter & Gamble. “We will rally and unite Olympic athletes, the International and National Olympic Committees and other organisations, to spark a change and inspire a world in which every girl truly feels that she can play sport and will Keep Playing #LikeAGirl!”