Sport has always been about more than the trophies and titles. For girls especially, it creates a space to connect, collaborate and grow together. We see this social power of sport come to life on camp every summer, as girls from all over the world build friendships that last long after they leave our venues.

Common goals create strong bonds

There’s something special about working toward a shared goal. Whether it’s scoring the winning point, improving a skill, or completing a tough training session, sport naturally brings girls together. In chasing the same objective, they learn to trust each other, rely on one another, and celebrate progress side by side. These shared experiences create a sense of unity and connection that’s hard to replicate elsewhere.

Teamwork teaches communication and respect

On the pitch, the court, or in the dance studio, communication is key, and sport provides a great forum for girls to develop this skill. From learning how to give constructive feedback to simply cheering each other on, they discover how to express themselves with confidence and empathy. These lessons extend beyond training, helping girls to build respectful, meaningful relationships in everyday life.

Confidence through connection

Making new friends isn’t always easy, but sport helps girls to come out of their shells. It encourages them to take risks and try new things with the reassurance of an excellent team of staff around them. When girls feel seen and supported by their peers, their confidence flourishes, and so does their willingness to step up, speak out, and be themselves.

Friendship without borders

Sport offers a great opportunity to meet other players from around the world, creating a vibrant international environment. This is especially true on camp, where girls from over one hundred nationalities come together to learn and play. While they may come from different cultures and speak different languages, girls often discover that sport is a language of its own. From high-fives after a goal to laughs during downtime, these interactions create authentic connections that break down barriers and build lifelong friendships.

A safe space to bond

Girls on Nike Volleyball Camp making friends

Residential camps offer more than just elite coaching - they create a shared space where girls can live, learn, and laugh together. In the boarding house, at meal times, or on group trips, girls get the chance to bond in fun, low-pressure settings. It’s these in-between moments - telling stories in the common room, sharing snacks after training, or laughing on the bus, that often spark the strongest friendships.

Support systems built to last

Sport isn’t always smooth sailing - and that’s where friends make all the difference. When training gets tough or nerves kick in before a match, having a teammate to turn to is invaluable. The friendships formed through sport become a built-in support system, offering encouragement in the hard moments and celebration in the best ones.

One of our camp welfare team, Tasha Dewhurst, shared a powerful story that sums this up beautifully:

"When I started university, I auditioned for the dance team and met a girl who gave me a reassuring smile while we were waiting to go in. It was a small moment, but in a nerve-wracking situation, that smile made me feel at ease. Since then, we’ve been inseparable. Not only did we train and compete together, but we also supported each other in other aspects of life. This friendship, along with many others I’ve formed through sport, has been so important to me. Being part of a team adds to your sense of community - it’s not just about competing, but about surrounding yourself with people who motivate and support you. I think the friendships you build in sport are often some of the strongest because you share a passion, work towards goals together, and push each other to be better.”

Stronger Together

At Nike Sports Camps, we believe in the power of sport to inspire, uplift, and unite. For girls, it’s a powerful tool to build self-belief, forge connections, and feel part of something bigger. The friendships they make here aren’t just fun - they’re formative. Because when girls support each other, they grow stronger, play better, and go further.