Sport has always had a greater participation by males compared to females and while work has been done to minimize this gap, more can be done.
40.7% of male adults compared to 31.7% of female adults are engaged in sports weekly. When it comes to coaching 31% of men and 23% of women have done coaching in their lives.
The gap for both participation and coaching is considerable but it can be reduced. Georgina Roberts who, at 17, participated in Olympic Trap Shooting for Great Britain has been vocal in trying to get coaching seen as more of an option for women, saying, “We should believe in them and support their journey in sport and coaching. If we send out that message, we can break down barriers and encourage them to chase their goals, rather than seeking permission or waiting for someone to ask.”
Often, it’s hard to for women to see sport as an option but by simply raising awareness and talking about this kind of stuff it helps show participation as normal and something they can do. Georgina further sees coaching as an opportunity to support people in starting sports, “I have loved helping those who are starting their careers and hobbies – it’s a great way to show girls that if I can achieve it, then so can they.”
Having someone who managed to thrive in a typically male-dominated sport speak about their experience is a huge inspiration for women and girls everywhere. Female coaches can also be role models for young girls who are dipping into sports for the first time, simply having a woman be their coach can provide them the knowledge that sport is something they can do whether that be a career or a hobby.
Thank you so much @BBCSportWales for giving me the opportunity to talk about shooting and the future 🥰🌟#thefutureisbright pic.twitter.com/ya06WHiCIa
— Georgina Roberts (@georginashoots) July 12, 2020
“It makes me want to be my absolute best at all times because you never know who is watching. I want girls to see my actions and I want them to be inspired”, this message from Roberts is something we hope to emanate at Defiant Sports, encouraging women, girls, and anyone with a disability that sports is absolutely something they can and should do.
As always, stay Defiant!
#TeamDefiant