Empowering the Girl Child Through Two-Fold Excellence: Promoting Participation in Sports and Academics

This study adopted the qualitative approach of research to ascertain the female students’ access to and success in academics and sports. An investigative interview was conducted with twenty female sports students from Kumasi and Ashanti Mampong campuses of the Akenten Appiah-Menka University of Skills Training and Entrepreneurial Development (AAMUSTED) in the second semester of the 2024/2025 academic year. A semi-structured interview Guide was designed as the research instrument for this study. The data was collected within ten working days and was subjected to a Thematic data analysis. Results from the research revealed that female sports students have to master the acts of discipline, time management, and resilience in order to attain success in combining both sports and academics. Students' major challenge in combining both academics and sports is the clash between academic demands and sports demands. Sports have both positive and negative impacts on students’ academics. The sense of purpose and fulfillment, coupled with the thrill of competition and the satisfaction of pushing themselves to new limits, are the major motivators that inspire students to participate in sports. It was suggested that flexible scheduling of class and training times to accommodate both academic and athletic commitments should be inculcated, granting of scholarships to female sports students, establishment of sport governing bodies, a supportive environment, and female lecturer-coaches should be brought on board to offer help and encouragement to the female sports students in their pursuit. It was recommended among others that tertiary institutions adopt a flexible curriculum and schedule that will lessen the burden of sports students as they blend both academics and sports on campus. Scholarships, grants, and other benefits should be made available to female sports students to motivate them and inspire other female students to participate in sports.