From the Field to the Future:
5 Resolutions to Empower Girls in Sports
The start of a new year is like the kickoff whistle—it’s a chance to reset, refocus, and plan your next move. For young female athletes and their families, the new year is the perfect time to set empowering resolutions that can help build confidence, resilience, and success both on and off the field. Drawing inspiration from soccer strategies, here are five resolutions to make 2025 a winning year for you and your player.
Stay Active, Stay Strong
Soccer teaches us the value of consistent practice and movement. Whether it’s attending regular team practices or simply staying active with friends and family, movement fuels both physical and mental strength. This year, resolve to prioritize active habits that keep the whole family moving. From post-game jogs to weekend kickarounds, every bit of movement builds stamina—and memories.
Pro Tip: Encourage your young athlete to experiment with cross-training. Activities like yoga or swimming can improve flexibility, prevent burnout, and complement soccer skills.
Set Micro Goals
Just like soccer matches are won one play at a time, big dreams are achieved through smaller, manageable steps. Help your young player set “micro goals” that add up to major victories over the year. Whether it’s perfecting their penalty kicks, improving endurance, or stepping into a leadership role on the team, these goals create focus and confidence.
Pro Tip: Keep a “goal board” at home where your athlete can write down weekly or monthly targets. Celebrate every win, no matter how small, to keep the momentum going.
Embrace Challenges Head-On
Tough matches push players to grow. And the same applies to life. This year, you can encourage your young athlete to view challenges as opportunities to develop grit and resilience. Whether you set an example of bouncing back after a tough day or tackling a new professional opportunity, every struggle can teach valuable lessons about persistence and adaptability. And as a parent, you have the opportunity to show her first-hand how it’s done.
Pro Tip: Share examples of role models who inspire you to overcome adversity. These stories can motivate your athlete to keep going, even when the going gets tough.
Lead With Confidence
Every team needs leaders both on and off the pitch. Encourage your player to step into leadership roles, whether as team captain, mentor to younger teammates, or simply by leading through example. Soccer helps girls build confidence to express their ideas, support others, and make decisions—skills they’ll carry for life.
Pro Tip: Leadership doesn’t always mean being loud. Teach your athlete that leading with kindness, hard work, and positivity can be just as impactful.
Keep a Fresh Mindset
Just as a fresh pair of cleats can make players feel game-ready, a fresh mindset is key to tackling new goals. At CleatMates, we’re all about helping players step onto the field feeling confident and prepared. With every practice, every match, and every effort to keep those cleats fresh, we’re laying the groundwork for something bigger: a future where young athletes—especially girls—are empowered to dream big and achieve more.
Pro Tip: Build a “game day ritual” with your athlete. From prepping gear with CleatMates to visualizing their performance, small routines can create a winning mindset.
Final Whistle
As we kick off 2025, let’s remember that every goal—on the field and in life—is an opportunity to grow stronger, dream bigger, and inspire others. With these resolutions, your athlete isn’t just playing a sport—they’re setting the stage for a lifetime of confidence, resilience, and success. And here at CleatMates, we’re cheering them on every step of the way.