Kick Like a Girl

Kick Like a Girl is a short documentary film that offers an inspiring glimpse into the world of youth sports, defying stereotypes and championing gender equality. It delivers an important message about empowering young girls, building their confidence, and tackling sexism in sports.

Originally released in 2008 and running a brief 25 minutes, this film remains incredibly impactful. It is directed by Jenny Mackenzie, a skilled documentary filmmaker acclaimed for her ability to capture the essence and raw emotions of the subjects she explores. Mackenzie's short yet powerful film presents a fresh take on the concept of encouraging females in sports, behind the backdrop of an all-girls team competing in a co-ed soccer league.

The story revolves around 8-year-old girls who share an absolute love for soccer. Their team, The Mighty Cheetahs, competes in the 3rd-grade boys' division in Salt Lake City, Utah. The documentary captures the highs and lows of this resilient girls' team, using their journey to weave a compelling narrative.

Sam Gordon, a fast and fearless player who made national headlines with her football skills, is one of the central figures in the film. She takes on the strong leadership role in the team, driven by her fiery passion for soccer, determination, and sportsmanship.

Kick Like a Girl pushes boundaries and shatters stereotypes by showcasing these young girls' courage, confidence, agility, and determination in a soccer league traditionally dominated by boys. It perfectly demonstrates that strength, ability, and competitive spirit have nothing to do with gender, effectively challenging the misleading preconceptions about girls in competitive sports.

This film also highlights the importance of having strong, positive mentors, like coach Shawn Kennedy, who directs the team. He sets an example of how support, encouragement, and belief from an adult can make a substantial difference in a child's life. Coaches like Kennedy are vital in fostering confidence, empowering young girls to unlock their potential, and ultimately play a significant role in shaping future women leaders.

With its beautiful cinematography, the film manages to capture authentic moments of young girls displaying their prowess on the field, underlining that they, too, can play 'like a girl' and still be tough, fierce, and competitive. Moreover, it beautifully showcases the camaraderie between team members; the friendships forged on the soccer field have far-reaching impacts off the pitch.

While the focus is on soccer, Kick Like a Girl also discreetly explores broader themes such as courage, persistence, teamwork, and equality. The film sends out a powerful message to its audience, showing every setback as a setup for a bigger comeback – both in the game and life in general.

Throughout the documentary, viewers witness unexpected defeats, bare smiles, tears, and festivities – showing that winning doesn’t mean always scoring the last goal, but also understanding the importance of hard work, resilience, friendship, and respect for the game.

At the same time, the film sensitively and intuitively explores the pressures and anxieties these young girls encounter, bringing viewers a heartfelt and honest portrayal of overcoming obstacles, showcasing the girls’ spirit and bravery in the face of adversity. It highlights the need for society to change its perception and treat all athletes equally, regardless of their gender.

Kick Like a Girl has been universally applauded for inspiring viewers, providing a real, authentic perspective of girls in youth sports, and sparking necessary conversations about gender stereotypes in sports. Packed with passion, strength, and an undying spirit, this short documentary serves as a testament to pure perseverance and embodies the saying 'dream big', proving time and again why it is never 'just a game'.

In conclusion, Kick Like a Girl is a refreshing, heartwarming, and inspiring take on young female athletes' journeys, offering a compelling and necessary commentary on equality in youth sports. It’s a must-watch for all – not just for soccer enthusiasts and sports lovers but also for those advocating for stronger representation and inclusion across all spheres of life.