BUFFALO, N.Y. (WKBW) — "Everyone knows Steph Curry or Lebron James, but our girls don't have leaders for sports," explained Daycia Clarke, program manager for The United Way of Buffalo and Erie County, Western New York Girls in Sports program.
When it comes to coaching, it's still a man's world.
"Women's sports in general are only coached by women at about 30-40%," said Clarke. "We have a ton of mom's on the sideline, we just don't have women who are on the court, on the field, in the matches."
Clarke is looking to change these numbers. She's in charge of an event called #SheCanCoach and its goal is to inspire women to volunteer.
Women like Helen Busch, who coaches golf.
"It's just great to see these kids enjoying what they do and wanting to do it better and wanting to come back and continuing to learn," said Busch.
Women at the event got a taste of what it's like to be a coach. They also got some words of wisdom from coach, former U.S. goalkeeper and two-time Olympic gold medalist Briana Scurry.
"Women are exactly what sports needs. Young girls need to see someone who looks like them and be coached by someone like them," said Scurry.
They're looking for women in several sports including, jump roping, basketball, track and field, and more.
"Whatever sport you're interested in, I promise you there's some organization that whats your help. Anything you provide allows another girl to be involved in sports," said Clarke.
And you don't need to be an expert. Oftentimes a good coach is just someone kids can look up too, according to Clarke.
"What women sometimes don't understand is the need for the role model. A positive role model--you just don't see women as in the house, you see them as awesome sports leaders," said Clarke.
To get involved, go to the WNY Girls in Sports website or the Project Play Western New York website.
