Parents should not assume that sports will keep their children safe from early sexual activity, but there are strong indications that athletic girls are less likely to become sexually active at an early age. Athletic girls see their bodies as a powerful force and not just ornamental. Teenage female athletes become sexually active at older ages than their non-athletic counterparts. Teenage female athletes have sex less often. Girls involved in sports have fewer sexual partners.
Girls involved in sports are more likely to use birth control than teenage non-athletes.
Choose a sport that suits your child s personality. Does she crave structure and team involvement or prefer to develop her own routines and work on her own. Tennis or golf may be preferable for the child who prefers individual competition while basketball or soccer might be a better choice for a child interested in team play. Match skill level and ability. Make sure your child can play at the team skill level.