The relationship between activity and positive self-esteem in girls 9 to 12 years of age was explored in this study. The hypothesis was that the positive relationship between physical activity and positive self-esteem which exists for women also exists for girls. A secondary goal was to gain insight into some of the factors that are associated with both diminished self-esteem and the reasons girls choose to drop out of sports. Data was collected for this study in a focus group format. The girls in each focus group (n=76) were asked to fill out a questionnaire exploring: (1) confidence and perceived competence; (2) levels of activity, sports each girl participated in, reasons for being active and perceived obstacles to physical activity; and (3) career choices and the perceived viability of a chosen career. After completing the questionnaire, girls were engaged in a discussion regarding their views on sports, gym and recess, confidence and risk-taking, and their concerns about becoming teenagers and adults. Findings indicated a positive relationship between self-esteem and physical activity in 9- to 12-year-old girls. Results also showed that there are numerous obstacles preventing girls from being as physically active as they would like to be. The result can be frustration, lack of confidence, and a drop in sports participation. (Contains 14 references and 12 figures.) (TS)