After all the time, love and money we invest in our child’s chosen sport, it can be disappointing when they start to show disinterest in the activity that once brought them so much joy. Whilst it’s easy to chalk it up to changing hormones or shifting interests, when it comes to girls dropping out of sport during puberty, the reasons are often more complex, and more preventable than we may think!

Australian periodwear brand Eltee Sydney surveyed 2302 Australian girls and found that a staggering 63.9% of tween or teen girls have quit or avoided sports or physical activities due to their period. According to their data, swimming tops the list with a staggering  67.6% opting out due to period-related concerns. Gymnastics follows with  35.1%, while 28.4% leave dancing and netball sees a 25% dropout rate. Tellingly, sports with less revealing and form fitting uniforms such as cricket, hockey, Aussie rules and tennis, show markedly lower avoidance rates. It’s clear from the data that what girls are expected to wear can seriously impact whether they stay in sport, highlighting the need for more inclusive and comfortable design choices.  

Although menstrual cramps are the leading cause of sport avoidance according to the survey, periods also come with a host of emotional and practical concerns that cause girls to turn their back on sport. Worries over leaking, wearing bulky pads that are uncomfortable or obvious, underperforming or smelling bad were cited by survey participants as reasons to opt out. Add to this the light coloured or form-fitting uniforms they are expected to wear, and it’s little wonder they are leaving sports in droves!

How Eltee Sydney Periodwear is Making a Difference

Eltee Sydney are making it their mission to support girls to stay active throughout these formative years with innovative period underwear designed to eliminate period anxiety and keep her in the game. Designed specifically with active girls in mind, their periodwear gives girls the confidence to move freely and focus on the game, not on their flow! Leading the charge in their collection are the UnderDance and UnderSwim briefs — designed specifically for girls in dance, gymnastics, swimming and water sports.

Eltee Sydney UnderDance

Specifically made for dancers and gymnasts, UnderDance briefs are ultra-light, discreet, and designed to be worn under high-cut leotards or tight-fitting activewear. They have a barely-there feel, are fitted with Eltee Sydney’s advanced leak-locking ‘Bumpers’ technology and can hold up to 20ml (the same as 2-3 tampons or 4 regular pads!) Seamless and stretchy, they stay put during high-energy routines while offering full coverage and leak protection teens can trust.

Eltee Sydney UnderSwim

With a specially designed waterproof layer, Eltee Sydney UnderSwim are discreet briefs that can be worn under existing swimwear to protect against leaks in and out of the water.They hold up to 15 ml, without adding any bulk!

Other great options in the Eltee range include their classic Bumper Brief and UnderShorties boyleg styles — perfect for training days, school sport or everyday use. All styles are machine washable, environmentally friendly, and far more comfortable than dealing with bulky pads or backup underwear. 

How Parents Can Help Keep Their Daughters in Sport

Parents also play an important role in keeping their daughters in sport. Here are a few things you can do to support her:

Start Open Conversations Early

Talk about periods and body changes in a normal shame-free way from an early age, so that she will feel comfortable discussing her concerns with you or others.

Choose Sportswear She’s Confident In

Invest in periodwear that makes her feel secure during her period, and advocate for flexible uniform options at her club or school. 

Plan for Periods

Ensure that your daughter knows how to manage her period confidently and always has the essentials on hand (pads, period underwear, wipes, spare clothes, etc). Periods in the early years can be unpredictable!

Praise Effort – Not Just Performance

Taking part in sport is about more than just winning. It’s about participation, persistence, teamwork and having fun. Celebrate these things – not just the results. 

Puberty and periods shouldn’t spell the end for your daughter’s love of sport, and with the right support, they don’t have to. By understanding what’s really holding girls back and giving them the tools to feel comfortable and confident, we can help them stay active, connected and thriving no matter what time of the month it is!