The study, commissioned by Sky and conducted by Public First, links extracurricular sport to career success by developing resilience, confidence, and adaptability. Women who played sport as children were found to be nearly a third more likely to cope under pressure and a fifth more likely to embrace new challenges.
Oliver Hooper, senior lecturer in physical education and youth sport at Loughborough University, said the benefits of sport go far beyond fitness. “We know it can bring about a range of positive outcomes – not only physical and mental health but also communication, teamwork and leadership. These skills are highly valued in the workplace.”
Despite the benefits, the study found that girls are still far less likely than boys to participate. Boys aged 11 to 18 spend on average 1.4 hours more per week playing sport, and are more likely to take part in competitive and team activities. Girls, by contrast, were found to favour non-competitive exercise such as fitness classes.
The research highlighted key barriers for girls, including limited access to facilities, lack of team opportunities, and experiences of sexist behaviour. A third of girls reported discriminatory comments, and many disengage from sport entirely by age 11.
The report, Game Changing: How Sport Gives Every Girl a Better Chance, makes several recommendations, including:
- Making equal access to sports a statutory requirement for publicly funded institutions.
- Introducing a National Girls and Women in Sport Day.
- Updating the PE curriculum to better reflect girls’ experiences.
Sky’s chief executive Dana Strong stressed that while broadcasters can increase visibility for women’s sport, systemic change is needed. “We need to break down the barriers that tell young girls they don’t belong,” she said.
