7 Ways to Prevent Dropout for The Female Soccer Player
- Casey Lewis
- Jul 28
- 4 min read
By Casey Lewis, Soccer Unleashed
By age 14, girls are dropping out of sports at twice the rate of boys. That stat, from the Women’s Sports Foundation, stopped me in my tracks.
As a soccer mom to a daughter who lives for the game, it’s not just a number—it hits me personally. It makes me wonder: Why are so many girls walking away from something they once loved?
Let's dig into why, so we can reduce the risk of our own daughters from leaving the game.
A Shift Is Happening—But We’re Not There Yet
The interest in soccer has been male dominated for a long time. The good news? The landscape of women’s soccer is changing. There are more soccer opportunities, more visibility, and more conversation about the female player than ever before. But keeping girls in the game requires more than just access—it requires support, understanding, and intentional action from parents, coaches, and the community.
What Soccer Parents Can Do to Prevent Dropout
There are many cited factors that can lead to a female athlete dropping out, some believe it’s a combination of factors including burn out, lack of role models, social pressures, lack of access to soccer opportunities, negative coaching experiences, and more - it’s rarely one thing. Here are some effective ways to prevent dropout for the female soccer player:
ONE: Prioritize Fun and Passion: At the end of the day, it’s still a game. Encourage them to find joy in learning, growing, and friendships, not just the outcomes. Include pressure-free play in the mix to help them enjoy the game they love.
TWO: Have Balance: Social experiences become more and more important as a female enters their teenage years. Support your players' need for non-soccer activities by encouraging a healthy balance. Be sure to include non-soccer activities, down time, social events, vacations, and/or school clubs in their schedule.
THREE: Let them Decide: Let your child have a say in their extra soccer training and what they want to work on. When they get to choose, it gives them a sense of ownership and makes them feel like this journey really belongs to them—not just something they’re being pushed through.
FOUR: Celebrate Little Wins: Instead of stressing over the scoreboard, cheer for the moments that show your child is learning and growing. Maybe they finally tried that jumping header they’ve been working on—or showed more confidence on the field than last week. Let them know you see it and you’re proud. It’s those small steps forward that keep them motivated and loving the game.
FIVE: Watch Closely: Pay attention to early signs of youth sports burnout—like constant fatigue, mood swings, or losing interest in training—and take them seriously. If your child seems off, don’t be afraid to hit pause: skip a practice, build in rest days, or take a full break. In our home, we make sure our daughter gets at least one day off a week during the busy soccer seasons and a full two-week break in both winter and summer. Rest isn’t just okay—it’s essential for long-term player development and mental well-being.
SIX: Listen: If your child shares that training feels like too much or they’re feeling left out of other activities, such as hanging with friends, having sleepovers or joining clubs, pause and really listen—without jumping in to fix or defend. Their feelings are valid. Then, help them adjust their schedule to make room for balance. Supporting their emotional well-being is just as important as developing their soccer skills.
SEVEN: Embracing Imperfection: Many female soccer players feel pressure to be “perfect”—whether it’s performing without mistakes or making the starting lineup. That pressure can lead to burnout, or cause them to hold back out of fear of making mistakes. Remind them that making mistakes is part of the learning process. It is key to building confident, resilient players.
Prevent Dropout for Female Soccer Player: The Conclusion
We've all witnessed the unique challenges female athletes face, but we also see the incredible power they possess. Let's help our daughters foster their skills, cultivate a resilient mindset, and focus on their overall well-being so they are empowered to become leaders, role models, and agents of change.
Remind them that they're part of a movement that's redefining the game. They're paving the way for a future where female soccer players shine brighter than ever.
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Soccer Unleashed was started by soccer moms who’ve lived the highs, lows, and carpool chaos of youth soccer—and who believe the game should be about passion and potential, not politics or pressure. We get how overwhelming it can all feel, and that’s why we created a place that makes things simpler. Our platform gives parents and players free access to real development opportunities including skill-building camps, small-sided games, clinics, pick-ups, leagues, and more—so no kid misses out because they didn’t know or they aren’t considered a stand-out player. Whether your child is just kicking off their journey or aiming big, we’re here to help them grow, have fun, and feel seen. Because every player deserves a shot.
We'd Love to Stay Connected
Citation: Womens Sports Foundation, https://www.womenssportsfoundation.org/
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