Research findings

The ServeHER research component investigated why adolescent girls (16 – 17 years old) tend to drop out of volleyball and how to improve retention, based on surveys, interviews, and questionnaires involving clubs, coaches, federations, and young players. The findings show that dropout is driven by a combination of educational pressures, lack of clear competitive pathways, limited structural support, and sociocultural factors, and they underline the need for dual career approaches, flexible club practices, and stronger sport – education cooperation to keep girls engaged in volleyball.