Our female athletes are increasingly taking center stage in sports, particularly in football, with a notable rise of 35% since 2011. But have we paused to consider how our young female athletes develop compared to their male counterparts?

Before reaching the pre-pubertal stage of 9 years, males and females may exhibit subtle differences in development that are present but not necessarily apparent. However, more noticeable changes and disparities start to emerge after the age of 9. Males tend to experience simultaneous increases in weight, height, and muscle mass, whereas females sequentially develop each metric in the same order. During adolescence, the maximum rate of linear height, known as Peak Height Velocity (PHV), occurs. Males typically reach PHV at around age 14, while females reach it earlier, at around age 12. Generally, female adolescents exhibit greater musculoskeletal flexibility and physical flexibility compared to males. Overall flexibility tends to decrease leading up to mid-adolescence in males, while it slightly increases during early adolescence in females and typically stabilizes by ages 14–15. This disparity is attributed to the increase in muscle mass in males compared to females. Females tend to plateau in muscle growth and strength around the age of 15, whereas boys experience incremental gains in strength and muscle mass from the ages of 13.

Studies suggest that females respond optimally to resistance training between the ages of 12 and 14, while boys may benefit more from the age of 14 and above with the onset of growth hormones. Data also indicates that females are more susceptible to and suffer more ACL ruptures compared to boys. While several theories attempt to pinpoint the reason for this occurrence, there is no definitive explanation for the increased likelihood of ACL ruptures in females. However, research does suggest that increasing lower body strength training can reduce ACL injuries in females by up to 50%. Strength training can help protect and empower female athletes to thrive and prolong their careers in sports. As coaches, we can play a pivotal role in effecting this change!