Her Time to Play Clinic

Her Time to Play: Empowering Girls Through Basketball and Life Skills

Her Time to Play is an inspiring initiative created collaboratively by the Jr. NBA and WNBA, designed specifically to encourage girls ages 7-14 to engage with basketball while developing crucial life skills. This innovative program goes beyond traditional sports training by intertwining on-court basketball drills with off-court lessons that focus on teamwork, confidence, and navigating the challenges of adolescence.

Program Goals

At its core, Her Time to Play aims to:

• Build girls' confidence both on and off the court

• Teach essential teamwork and social-emotional skills

• Prepare young athletes to face life’s diverse challenges

• Cultivate leadership qualities that contribute to long-term success

Curriculum Overview

The program offers a free, comprehensive curriculum that seamlessly pairs basketball drills with life skills education. Each chapter is enriched by personal stories and experiences shared by WNBA players, providing relatable role models and real-world context to the lessons.

Key Life Skills Covered

• Body Image: Encouraging healthy self-esteem and positive perceptions

• Stress Management: Teaching practical ways to handle pressure

• Nutrition: Promoting healthy eating habits essential for athletic and personal well-being

• Digital Media Smarts: Helping girls navigate social media safely and responsibly

• Core Values: Emphasizing fair play, inclusivity, and respect for diversity

Accessibility and Implementation

Organizations looking to empower the next generation of female athletes can easily register to run Her Time to Play. Upon registration, they receive a digital toolkit packed with activities and lesson plans that support both in-person and virtual delivery. This flexibility ensures the program can reach girls in a wide range of settings, making the initiative highly accessible.

Community and Partnerships

Her Time to Play thrives on strong community collaboration, involving partnerships between the Jr. NBA, WNBA, and notable youth organizations such as the Women’s Sports Foundation, YMCA, and Boys & Girls Clubs of America. These alliances amplify the program’s reach and impact, bringing basketball and life skills to girls nationwide.

Role Models Making a Difference

WNBA players and coaches actively participate as mentors and role models within the program. Their involvement not only inspires participants but also plays a critical role in breaking down stereotypes about female athletes and leadership.

At Resilient Youth Sports Academy, we believe initiatives like Her Time to Play are transformative — using sports as a powerful platform to develop confident, resilient, and socially aware young women ready to lead on the court and in life. Join us in supporting this groundbreaking program and watch tomorrow’s champions rise.