Women in Sports: Encouraging Participation and Accessibility

Participation levels in sport have historically been lower for women than for men. Right now, there are over 700,000 more inactive women than men in England, a disparity that worsened during the pandemic. According to the Active Lives Adult Survey by Sport England, the drop in activity levels among women was more sustained than among men, indicating a longer recovery time to reach pre-pandemic levels. Addressing this gap requires targeted strategies to support and empower women in sports.

The Current Landscape: Women in Sports

Over 40% of men in the UK regularly play sports, compared to just 31% of women. Across almost every age group, men outnumber women in sports participation. While participation peaks among women aged 16-25, this age group also has the largest gender gap. Addressing this disparity is crucial for fostering inclusivity in sports.

Key Barriers to Participation

Research by Sport England highlights two primary barriers to women's participation:

1. Physical Barriers
   These include the availability of facilities, scheduling conflicts, and the practicality of accessing sports. For instance, accommodating childcare, family commitments, and work schedules is critical for increasing female participation.

2. Emotional Barriers
   Lack of confidence, fear of judgment, and limited exposure to female role models in sports can deter women from getting involved.

Solutions for Sports Facility Owners

Create Accessibility with Online Booking

Accessing sports facilities should be seamless and convenient. Pitchbooking simplifies the process by enabling users to book sports facilities online in under 60 seconds. This eliminates the need for lengthy forms or waiting for approval, making it easier for women—especially working mothers or those with busy schedules—to secure bookings.

Over 30% of Pitchbooking users are women, with the key demographic being those aged 25-34. By providing instant booking confirmations, facilities can ensure women can plan their activities without additional stress.

Enhance Facilities for Women

Practical adjustments to facilities can have a significant impact on women’s participation. Consider the following:

• Providing hairdryers in changing rooms to accommodate women heading to work after sessions.
• Ensuring clean, private, and adequately equipped shower and changing areas.
• Offering flexible scheduling for classes or sports slots, particularly during early mornings or late evenings.

Promote Visibility of Female Role Models

A study by the Northern Ireland Assembly found that 69% of women feel encouraged to participate in sports when exposed to high-profile female role models. Facility owners can support this by:

• Displaying posters or screens showcasing local and national female athletes.
• Hosting events that celebrate women's sports and achievements.

Why Change Matters

Nearly 60% of girls aren’t meeting recommended exercise guidelines, yet 13 million women in the UK express a desire to participate more in sports. By addressing the barriers to participation, sports facilities can play a pivotal role in changing these statistics.

Additionally, women’s sports are on the rise. Studies show that elite women’s sports are projected to generate £1 billion in revenue by 2030. Supporting women at the grassroots level can contribute to this growing momentum.

How Pitchbooking Can Help

Pitchbooking bridges the gap by making facilities more accessible. Through features like 24/7 online booking and a user-friendly platform, we remove the hurdles that prevent women from participating. Facility owners can leverage this technology to attract more users and create an inclusive environment.

For more tips on optimizing your facilities, explore our Knowledge Centre or check out upcoming events and initiatives.

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FAQs

How can facilities make sports more appealing to women?

Facilities can focus on practical solutions, like offering flexible scheduling, clean and well-equipped changing rooms, and ensuring access to online booking systems like Pitchbooking.

What role do female role models play in sports?

Female role models inspire and encourage women to participate in sports. Facilities can support this by promoting visibility through events, posters, and partnerships with local athletes.

Why is online booking important for women in sports?

Online booking simplifies access, enabling women to secure facility slots quickly without navigating time-consuming processes. This is particularly beneficial for those balancing work, family, and other commitments.

For more information, visit Pitchbooking’s Solutions Page or contact us at info@pitchbooking.com.