Women have shared the top sports they would most like to take up – with football named as the most popular choice, for 37%.
Netball (21%) and athletics (15%) followed close behind – and these were also named as the top three most inclusive sports for women, with netball leading the charge for 25%, followed by athletics and football (both 15%).
It comes as a survey of 2,000 women, aged 18-65, have shared the top benefits of participating in team sports, with 74% saying it has improved their mental health – while 51% claim it has had a positive impact on their life overall.
And six in ten (59%) have even taken up an old favourite sport once again – after being inspired by a summer of bumper women's sporting events, from the FIFA Women's World Cup, to the Women's Ashes, and Wimbledon.
It emerged that three in ten (31%) of the women polled, over the age of 45, played sports when they were younger, but dropped out as a teenager. Some of the top reasons cited for this included being “too sweaty”, and not feeling “good enough” to continue.
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However, after seeing the empowerment and determination displayed by professional female sporting stars this summer, 46% have been motivated to give sports a try themselves – and now, many are dusting off their boots, digging out their racquets, and getting back to action.
Netball, football, and athletics were named the most inclusive sports for women (SWNS)Sure UK, a supporter of women’s sports, commissioned the research after launching the Breaking Limits: Girls Can Football Series, which aims to provide funding and training to give young people access to sport coaches, communities, and safe spaces.
Former Lionesses goalkeeper Carly Telford, who is partnering on the campaign, said: “Too many women have missed out on years of enjoyment, fitness, and socialising, due to feeling unable to continue with team sports – and it’s about time they feel inspired to get back into the sports they enjoy without fear.
“There’s still a long way to go, and so much more that we need to do to promote women’s sport in all corners of the world.
“To normalise women succeeding on pitches, courts, and fields should be everyone’s goal, and both consumers and organisations have roles to play to make this a reality.”
The study, via OnePoll, found there is more to do, however, as 77% of women believe that society needs to promote female sporting role models.
And 36% worry about being treated differently to men if they were to participate in sports – leaving 64% put off trying sports altogether as a result.
But putting worries aside, the future of women in sport looks bright – as half believe women’s football will eventually be as popular as men’s football, if not more so.
Alice Duffill, from Sure UK&I, said: “Movement has the power to transform lives. Everyone should be able to experience all the incredible physical, mental, and social benefits movement brings – whoever you are, however you move.
“But in our increasingly unequal societies, social, economic, and physical barriers stand in the way. Inspiring women and girls to play sport, through promoting and raising awareness of professional athletes who look like them, is key in breaking down some of those barriers.
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“That’s why we’re committed to growing women’s sports, as we know the importance of shining a light on professional women athletes to help inspire today’s and tomorrow’s girls.”
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