approaches must address both specific barriers that impede girls and women s participation in sport and the often complex intersections of genderspecific issues and other markers of disadvantage such as disability ethnicity and socioeconomic status jeanes et al the provision of competitive and noncompetitive sporting activities that are attractive to girls and women also requires intentional planning bailey et al in some contexts girls and women can benefit from specific opportunities that enable them to participate in environments that are safe and supportive