Building Confidence Through Movement, Mentorship, and Opportunity
Each year, United Way of Chautauqua County brings girls from across the county together for Girls in Sports — an initiative designed to introduce youth to athletics in a supportive, welcoming, and confidence-building environment.
Through hands-on experiences and direct interaction with collegiate athletes, girls ages 9–12 are encouraged to try new sports, build skills, and discover what they’re capable of — on and off the field.
At its core, Girls in Sports is about more than athletics. It’s about belonging, mentorship, and creating early positive experiences that can shape a lifetime of health and confidence.
A Community Effort in Action
Girls in Sports is made possible through collaboration with community partners, such as Fredonia State Athletics, Jamestown Community College, Ralph C. Wilson Foundation, WNY Girls In Sports and Chautauqua Striders among others in recent years.
The event brings together local school districts, collegiate student-athletes, and community organizations to create an environment where girls feel supported, encouraged, and inspired.
Participants rotate through multiple sport stations — including soccer, lacrosse, tennis, softball, volleyball, and cheerleading — all led by women collegiate athletes who serve as mentors and role models.
By connecting girls with athletes who reflect their potential, Girls in Sports helps bridge the gap between interest and participation.
Impact By The Numbers
Each year, Girls in Sports continues to grow — reaching more youth and deepening its impact across Chautauqua County.
This past year, in February 2026 at Fredonia State University:
124 youth participants
120 collegiate athlete mentors
6 sports introduced
5 participating school districts
The experience left a lasting impression:
- 99% of participants rated the event as excellent or good
- 99% said they would recommend the event to a friend
- 99% said the experience inspired them to want to play a sport at school or in their community
These numbers reflect more than participation — they represent confidence gained, connections formed, and new possibilities realized.
Why It Matters
Research shows that girls drop out of sports at twice the rate of boys by adolescence — often due to confidence gaps, limited exposure, and a lack of relatable role models.
Girls in Sports exists to interrupt that moment.
By creating a space where girls can try multiple sports in a single day — surrounded by encouragement and mentorship — the program helps build confidence, foster belonging, and promote lifelong wellness through movement.
For many participants, it’s their first time stepping onto a collegiate athletic facility — expanding not only their experience, but their sense of what’s possible.
Extending the Impact
Girls in Sports is designed to be more than a one-day experience.
Follow-up mentoring and athletic opportunities are available through community partners like Chautauqua Striders, helping girls stay active, connected, and engaged long after the event ends.
By building pathways beyond the initial introduction, United Way helps ensure that interest turns into sustained participation.
VOLUNTEER
Collegiate athletes, coaches, and community members play a key role in making Girls in Sports possible. Volunteers help lead activities, encourage participation, and create a positive, welcoming environment for all.
To express your interest in volunteering, email dsiracuse@unitedwaychq.org.
PARTNER
Schools, organizations, and sponsors are invited to partner in expanding access to Girls in Sports and supporting youth across the county.
To express your interest in partnering, email dsiracuse@unitedwaychq.org.
SPONSOR
Support from local businesses and organizations helps make Girls in Sports possible — expanding access, removing barriers, and ensuring every girl can participate in a welcoming, high-quality experience.
Sponsorship opportunities help fund expenses, event coordination, and continued program growth, while aligning your organization with youth opportunity, health, and community impact across Chautauqua County.
To express your interest in sponsoring, email dsiracuse@unitedwaychq.org.