At Aspire, we recognise the power of coaching as a catalyst for change, not just in sports but in every walk of life where guidance is invaluable. Yet, there's an undeniable gap — an underrepresentation of women in coaching roles, which, in turn, affects the diversity and inclusivity of our industry. It's time to address this imbalance and nurture the potential of female coaches who can act as role models and mentors for the next generation.
Acknowledging the 'Gender Play Gap'
A report highlighted by the Telegraph throws light on the 'gender play gap' that stops girls from taking up sport, an issue raised by MPs that has far-reaching implications. This gap not only reduces physical activity amongst young girls but also significantly limits the pool of potential female coaches in the future. By addressing this play gap and encouraging more young women to participate in sports, we lay the groundwork for a more robust pipeline of future coaches.
The increasing need for women in sport coaching
It's established that a diverse coaching workforce brings a plethora of benefits, including varied perspectives, innovative strategies, and relatable role models for a diverse athlete base. Insights from discussions on platforms like LinkedIn suggest that increasing female representation in coaching goes beyond equity — it's about enhancing the quality of coaching for all genders. Additionally, this article also highlights that the decrease in females within the coaching sector is occurring on a global scale.
This sector's action plan for gender equity in coaching
To tackle the inequities head-on, we're inspired by the strategic initiatives some institutions like Leeds Beckett University are undertaking to improve gender equity within sports coaching workforces.
Introducing young girls to sports can have a meaningful impact, not only by fostering a fondness for physical activity but also by potentially sparking an interest in becoming future sports coaches. By offering a variety of sports programmes and educational resources, we aim to create an environment where every girl feels welcomed and empowered to participate. This approach gradually builds a foundation of skills, confidence, and enjoyment in sports.
Encouraging young females in this way helps them see the possibility of a future in sports, whether that's playing or coaching. Our goal is to make sports a positive aspect of their lives, opening the door for those who might want to inspire and lead the next generation. Through our various areas of the organisation, we ensure that a wide range of children, regardless of their background or abilities, can participate and benefit from sport, whether that be on our Active Camps or during our delivery within schools. Together, we can inspire more young girls to love sports today and become the coaches of tomorrow.
Looking ahead
The journey to closing the gender gap in coaching is a marathon, not a sprint. Aspire is not just committed to being part of the conversation, but to taking tangible steps towards empowering women in the coaching sector. We believe that by fostering an environment where women are encouraged to step into coaching roles, we will not only see an increase in female participation in sports but also witness the rise of female coaching icons.
Through collective effort, consistent policy adaptations, and celebrating female achievements, Aspire is dedicated to building a legacy where women in coaching are the norm, not the exception. Let's champion the change, together.