Abstract
Despite the role of community sport in fostering youth identity and belonging, over 60% of Canadian girls disengage during adolescence, partly due to a lack of culturally responsive body-diverse spaces (Canadian Women and Sport, 2022; Koulanova et al., 2021). This issue may be further compounded by identity factors including race, Indigeneity, gender, and disability (Azzarito & Solomon, 2005). Research examining the meaning and landscape of body diversity in sport is limited, hindering efforts at promoting inclusive spaces. This qualitative descriptive study explored girls' understanding of body diversity through their experiences as past or current sport participants. Six semi-structured interviews were analyzed using inductive content analysis and organized into three content categories. The first, ‘representation of diverse groups’ (who gets to play), reflects (1) visibility of diverse bodies and identities (e.g., body shapes, racial groups) across sport settings and mediums, and (2) representation through prioritizing athlete potential and diverse skill levels. The second, ‘access to opportunities’ (who gets to play), reflects (1) equal opportunities to play sport regardless of identity or background, and (2) access to sport as an avenue for learning and skill development for all. The third, ‘inclusion and belongingness’ (who feels welcome), characterizes an inclusive sport environment and culture, as well as (2) freedom and support for self-expression. These findings highlight that who is present, who gets to play, and who feels welcome are central to body diversity in girls’ sport. Hence, grounding sport spaces in these elements may promote body diversity and support girls’ continued participation.
