The focus of this study was understanding the reasons for starting and adhering to competitive activity among young female athletes. The current study involved 889 girls who practice regularly in a competitive setting. The subjects, ranged in age from 8 -17 years participated in 10 different individual and team sport disciplines. The young athletes' reasons for participation in sports were measured by a questionnaire. Results of factor analysis for participation motives to start competitive sport revealed five different interpretable factors: IM (intrinsic motivation), EM (extrinsic motivation), TM (team motivation), WM (win motivation), and HM (health motivation). A two-way ANOVA with repeated measures (5 factors × 3 age groups) revealed significant differences between the 5 factors within the young and middle groups. Post-hoc test with Bonferroni adjustments indicated that IM and WM were significantly different then EM and TM. When comparing between individual and team sport disciplines a two-way ANOVA (5 factors × 2 team/individual) revealed that the intrinsic, winning and health motivations were stronger in team sport compared to individual sport. Results of the factor analysis for participation motives to continue competitive sport revealed three motivational factors similarly to the motives regarding starting activity (IM, EM, TM) and another two different factors, CM (competitive motivation) and HM (hobby motivation). Post-hoc test with Bonferroni adjustment indicated on similar profile of the three age groups with dominant effect of IM and TM while some differences can be seen when comparing team and individual sports. The results should be shared with the coaching staff and club administration to improve the motivation of young female athletes to continue in competitive sport and to decrease the dropout rate from sport.

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