Ep 12 | Dr Zali Yager: Building Body Confidence in Sport

Body image is one of the leading reasons girls disengage from sport, yet many of the barriers are things we can change.In this episode, Dr Zali Yager from The Embrace Collective joins us to explore the powerful connection between body image, confidence, belonging, and participation in sport. Drawing on years of research and practical experience, Zali shares simple but impactful strategies that parents, coaches, clubs and sporting organisations can implement to create more inclusive environments where girls feel comfortable, confident and supported.In this conversation, we explore:-Why body image can have such a significant impact on girls' participation in sport- The role uniforms play in confidence, comfort and belonging- How parents can support positive body image at home- Practical ways coaches can build confidence without focusing on appearance- Helping girls navigate social media and comparison culture- Why representation and diversity matter in club marketing and communications- Understanding body talk, body shaming and the lasting impact of seemingly small comments- The simple changes sporting clubs can make to create safer and more welcoming environmentsFrom uniform flexibility and inclusive club culture to social media habits and positive coaching practices, this conversation is packed with practical ideas that can help more girls feel like they belong in sport.You'll walk away with simple actions that can make a meaningful difference in helping girls stay active, confident and connected.Resources mentioned in this episode:The Embrace Hubhttps://theembracehub.com/Activate Playbook for Sporting Clubs https://theembracecollective.learnworlds.com/activateSport Integrity Australia – Sport Is For EveryBODY Resourceshttps://www.sportintegrity.gov.au/SportIsForEveryBODYIf you believe in creating more visibility, stronger pathways, and better opportunities for women and girls in sport, you can support this work by becoming a WSRT member.Join us at wsrt.org.au/membership