At GALS, we know the impact of physical activity on academics. Beyond the joy, energy, and confidence our students gain from movement, research demonstrates that daily exercise improves memory, attention, and cognition. Sports participation also boosts self-esteem and civic engagement. Movement prepares our students to live long, fulfilled lives.
Though women have made significant strides, we are far from a world free of gender stereotypes. Women still struggle to achieve financial independence, political power, and basic safety. GALS is about creating space for young women to become themselves and better navigate a world filled with gender inequity.
Our vision of competition combines movement, girls, and diversity. We are going against trends in club sports to ensure every student experiences the benefits of competition. Competition is a feminist value: it teaches collaboration, grit, and confidence in young women. At GALS Inc., competition makes our students agents of change.
Ideas originating from a diverse group are stronger than those from an echo chamber. While many people reside comfortably in homogenous communities, we want more for our students. By fostering diversity at GALS, we improve our students’ communication skills, creativity, and reasoning and prepare them for an evolving world.
The Aspen Institute: Project Play
Spark: The Revolutionary New Science of Exercise and the Brain by John Ratey M.D. with Eric Hagerman
“If you want to be a CEO later, play sports now” by Abigail Hess via CNBC