New Stratford Event Connects Girls With Local Sports Opportunities

STRATFORD, CT — By age 14, girls drop out of sports at twice the rate of boys, and only one in three girls continues participating in athletics. The reasons vary, but the impact can extend well beyond the playing field.

To help change that trend locally, Sterling Community Center is launching Girls in the Game, a new free community event designed to introduce girls in grades 5–9 to the many sports and recreation opportunities available throughout Stratford.

The event will take place at Sterling Community Center on Thursday, August 6, from 6:00–8:00 p.m., bringing together youth sports organizations, coaches, athletes, and community partners for an evening of exploration, hands-on activities, and fun.

Rather than searching for opportunities one organization at a time, families will be able to discover what's available throughout the community in one place. Girls will have the chance to try new activities, meet coaches, ask questions, and connect with programs that spark their interest.

"Girls in the Game is about opening doors and helping every girl find her game — think recruitment fair meets block party," said Amanda Meeson, Executive Director of Sterling Community Center. "By bringing organizations together in a fun, welcoming environment, we want girls to see what's available in their own community, meet the people behind these programs, try something new, and discover activities where they can feel connected, build confidence, and thrive."

Throughout the evening, girls and their families can:

• Explore local sports and recreation programs
• Meet coaches, athletes, and community organizations
• Participate in hands-on activities
• Connect with new friends
• Enjoy music, games, giveaways, raffles, and more

Participating organizations include Stratford Recreation, Stratford Little League, Storm Lacrosse, Surge Lacrosse, Sterling Advanced Futbol Club (SAFC), Advanced Soccer Training (AST), Stratford Police Activities League (PAL), Stratford High School Athletics, Bunnell High School Athletics, Sensei Phil Karate, and additional community partners.

Girls in the Game is made possible through the generous support of the Fairfield County Sports Hall of Fame & Youth Foundation. Sterling Community Center is grateful for the Foundation's commitment to expanding opportunities for young athletes and helping inspire the next generation of girls to get involved, stay active, and experience the lifelong benefits of sports and recreation.

"Community partnerships are what make events like this possible," said Meeson. "We're incredibly thankful to the Fairfield County Sports Hall of Fame & Youth Foundation for believing in this vision and helping us create an event that we hope will encourage more girls to discover activities they love and the confidence that comes with them."

While Girls in the Game focuses on athletics and recreation this year, Sterling hopes the event will become an annual tradition that introduces girls to new opportunities, strengthens connections across Stratford, and celebrates the many organizations working to support youth in our community.

Girls in the Game is free to attend, but advance registration is encouraged. Families can learn more and register by visiting https://tinyurl.com/SCCggs.