Physical Literacy in Female Youth: A Pilot Study Examining Its Association with Physical Activity, Sports Participation, and Physical Fitness

Abstract

This pilot study aimed primarily to investigate the association between perceived physical literacy (PL) and participation in organised sports and self-organised physical activity (PA) in female youth athletes and non-athletes. A secondary purpose was to investigate the association between perceived PL and physical fitness among female youth athletes. A convenient sample of 18 female youth soccer athletes (age: 14.56 ± 1.42 years) and 18 female youth non-athletes (age: 14.22 ± 1.22) underwent anthropometric measurements and responded to PL and PA questionnaires. The athletes completed physical fitness tests (e.g., cardiopulmonary, isokinetic, handgrip, and jump tests). The results indicated that the female athletes presented significantly higher scores for perceived PL and self-organised PA compared to the non-athletes. The PL components ‘sense of self and self-confidence’ and ‘knowledge and understanding’ were significantly associated with self-organised PA in both the athletes and the non-athletes, as well as with organised sports. An association was found between the total PL score for the athletes and the squat jump (r = 0.50), flexibility (r = 0.59), and left hamstring (r = 0.51) physical tests. The positive association between the self-perceived PL of female youth and their involvement in both organised sports and self-organised PA may help them fulfil their potential and also value and take responsibility for getting involved in PA for life.