My business idea is to create a messaging system integrated into WhatsApp where female athletes and young women receive daily mantras, messages, journal prompts and positive mindset reminders to support them during ACL recovery and rehab. The system is designed to support the mental and emotional wellbeing of young women as they navigate a traumatic and challenging time. My idea extends beyond just a messaging system. I see Brave Strides growing into a broader media platform and community where female athletes can ask questions, share advice and receive support in an environment that sees each individual as more than just their physical injury.

The Problem. When female athletes tear or rupture their ACL, the focus is almost entirely on physical recovery, surgery, physio and rehab plans. While the mental and emotional challenges and states of mind are often ignored. Women are disproportionally affected by ACL injuries and can experience: isolation and loss of identity, low confidence and self esteem and emotional stress while juggling study, sport and daily demands of life. Many turn to social media or group chats for support, but this can be overwhelming as the feeds are full of graphic surgery images, success stories that don’t match their own timeline and content that is hard to process when they are stressed and in pain. The Gap. There is no simple resource that offers calm and consistent support for emotional and mental wellbeing, for the day to day ups and downs of ACL recovery that is specific to the needs of female athletes. How Am I Solving It? My solution is to create a simple messaging system that delivers ACL specific messages, mantras and prompts, to provide small and consistent support to help female athletes manage their emotional and mental wellbeing. The system is low barrier as there are no extra apps to download or manage. The messages are designed to arrive where athletes already chat with friends and family. This reduced friction for adoption means it can be blend into everyday life and complement physical rehab and recovery.