Boosting Confidence in Youth Athletes

Confidence is one of the most important traits young athletes can develop, especially for girls in youth sports. A strong sense of self-belief can improve performance, resilience, and enjoyment of the game. 

There is such a rise in low confidence with female athletes that I want to try to crack the code. However, many young female athletes struggle with confidence due to societal pressures, self-doubt, or fear of failure. As coaches, parents, and mentors, we can take intentional steps to help build their confidence and empower them to thrive both on and off the field.

1. Create a Positive and Supportive Environment

The foundation of confidence starts with a supportive team culture. If players feel comfortable in their setting, they will be more confident. When young girls feel encouraged and valued, they are more likely to take risks, embrace challenges, and believe in their abilities. Coaches and parents should:

• Celebrate effort, not just results. This is important, the will to win is way more important than winning. 
• Encourage teamwork and mutual support among players.
• Foster an atmosphere where mistakes are seen as opportunities to learn rather than failures.

Tip: Have your practice be cell phone-free.

2. Focus on Skill Development and Progress

Confidence grows when athletes see improvement. Instead of comparing girls to one another, emphasize personal progress. Help them set individual goals and celebrate achievements, big or small. Drills, practice, and repetition build competence, which directly translates to confidence on game day.

Tip: Encourage players to work out at home, there are specific things they can do at home when no one is watching. 

3. Encourage a Growth Mindset

Teaching young female athletes to adopt a growth mindset can make a huge difference in their confidence levels. It is about loving the process. The ability to keep growing and learning is important. Remind them that:

• Abilities are developed through hard work and dedication.
• Mistakes are part of learning, not a reflection of their worth.
• Challenges should be embraced rather than feared.

Using phrases like “You haven’t mastered it yet” rather than “You can’t do it” reinforces perseverance and resilience.

4. Provide Strong Female Role Models

Representation matters. Introduce young female athletes to stories of strong, successful women in sports. Watching professional female athletes, hearing from former players, or even having female coaches can help them envision what’s possible. Encouraging mentorship programs where older athletes support younger ones can also be highly impactful.

5. Address Negative Self-Talk

Many young female athletes struggle with self-doubt and negative self-talk, which can hold them back. Encourage them to replace negative thoughts with positive affirmations such as:

• “I am strong and capable.”
• “I can handle challenges.”
• “I believe in myself and my abilities.”

Teaching them to reframe thoughts from “I’m not good at this” to “I’m still learning” helps them build confidence and resilience. 

6. Promote Body Confidence and Strength

Girls in sports may feel self-conscious about their bodies, especially in comparison to unrealistic beauty standards. Encourage them to appreciate what their bodies can do rather than how they look. Reinforce that strength, speed, and endurance are valuable qualities to be proud of.

7. Help Them Set and Achieve Goals

Setting and achieving goals, no matter how small, can significantly boost confidence. Guide them in setting SMART goals (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound) and celebrate their progress. Whether it’s improving a skill, increasing endurance, or taking on a leadership role, accomplishing goals helps reinforce their belief in themselves.

8. Allow Leadership Opportunities

Giving young female athletes leadership responsibilities can help them build confidence. Encourage them to:

• Lead warm-ups or drills.
• Mentor younger players.
• Speak up in team discussions.

Feeling trusted and capable in leadership roles fosters self-assurance and independence.

9. Keep Sports Fun and Enjoyable

While competition is a part of sports, it’s essential that girls continue to find joy in the game. Burnout and pressure can undermine confidence, so ensure practices and games include moments of fun, teamwork, and celebration.

10. Encourage Support Systems

Confidence doesn’t develop in isolation. Encourage young female athletes to build strong support networks, including:

• Teammates who uplift and encourage one another.
• Coaches and mentors who provide guidance and reassurance.
• Parents who focus on effort and growth rather than just performance.

Wrap Up!

Boosting confidence in young female athletes is about more than just winning games—it’s about shaping strong, empowered individuals who believe in their abilities and aren’t afraid to take on challenges. By creating a supportive environment, encouraging growth mindsets, and reinforcing positive self-belief, we can help young girls develop the confidence they need to thrive in sports and beyond.

Every girl deserves to feel strong, capable, and confident—both on and off the field. Let’s give them the tools and encouragement to believe in themselves and succeed in every aspect of life.

iSport360 is the only app that does it all for youth sports. For more information on what we do, click here. 

About the author: 

Amy Masters is a sports mom, coach, and club administrator. She has been coaching youth sports for more than 10 years. She started Jr Lions Field Hockey, the youth recreation program for the Hunterdon County community growing it from 40 players in year 1 to 150 players by year 3. A few years later, she saw the love and competitiveness grow then started Omega Field Hockey Club serving NJ and PA players. Before coaching, she was a collegiate field hockey player for Lock Haven University. In her spare time (lol), she is head of marketing for iSport360 and the co-editor of the Youth Sports Survival Guide. The Youth Sports Survival Guide is the largest youth sports newsletter in the world.