Women's Sports Foundation’s Post

On The International Day Against Racism and Discrimination, let's celebrate the transformative power of sports in combating discrimination : From athletes using their platforms to amplify voices, to teams fostering inclusivity, sports unite us in the fight against racism. Together, let's champion diversity, equity, and respect both on and off the field. #AntiRacismDay #SportsForChange"

We were commissioned by the Scottish Football Association to develop an understanding of the experiences of children participating in Scottish football, with a particular focus on their wellbeing, feelings of safety and having a voice in the national game. Using a children’s rights approach and creative methods, we had direct conversations with over 100 young players between eight and 18. Their views were used to develop a national survey that received more than 1500 responses from children and young people across Scotland. The report is now live and provides powerful insights into the experiences of young players. It raises questions including, ⚽ How can we support children to learn, experience and claim their rights as young football players? ⚽ How can we include everyone who wants to play football? ⚽ What is the balance between taking part, being included, having fun, and winning across a competitive team sport? https://lnkd.in/ecf2BN8G

Today is Human Rights Day. The theme of this 75th edition of Human Rights Day is Freedom, Equality and Justice for All - so as sports leaders, it's our duty to ensure a safe and inclusive sports system where everyone feels welcomed and valued. As Joe D'Eramo, Manager of Quality Sport at Sport for Life, states, the Long Term Development Framework (LTD) developed by Sport for Life and guided by the three pillars of good people, good programs and good places proactively combats a variety of issues, including abuse, discrimination, EDIA concerns, safety considerations in sport, promoting safe and responsible sporting environments for participants. Find out more about his thoughts and experiences on the profound link between sport and our fundamental right to a dynamic and enriching existence here: https://loom.ly/VegGNTE #HumanRights75 #Act4RightsNow

Check out my latest article which takes a look at some of the storylines following the conclusion of both the Men's and Women's side of the March Madness Tournament.

Engaging in sports during youth significantly shapes the future landscape of sports consumption, and the outlook for women's sports is especially promising—a noteworthy addition to the narrative. Aspen Institute Sports & Society's recent annual analysis focused on the trends influencing sports engagement among youth aged 6-17, revealing a compelling development in 2023: The dynamics of sports participation are shifting, with an uptick among girls and a decline among boys. In 2022, boys (40%) continued to engage in sports more consistently than girls (35%), based on national data from the SFIA - Sports & Fitness Industry Association. However, the intriguing shift is evident: a decade ago, half of boys regularly participated in sports, while the current participation rate for girls marks the highest since 2013. Additionally, Deloitte predicts that women’s elite sports will generate global revenues of US$1.28 billion in 2024. This is the first time that annual global revenues for women’s sport will have surpassed US$1 billion. Commercial revenue, which includes club sponsorships, partnerships, and merchandising sales, currently represents the largest share of total revenue (US$696 M, 55%). This is followed by broadcast (US$340 M, 27%), and matchday revenues (US$240 M, 18%). The two most valuable women’s sports are projected to be football (US$555 M, 43%) and basketball (US$354 M, 28%), while the largest geographical markets in 2024 are forecast to be North America (US$670 M, 52%) and Europe (US$181 M, 14%). Anticipating positive prospects for the future of women's sports in the US!

"When we see a lack of representation it is often assumed a lack of talent is the problem. That is very rarely the case.." Particularly in a (arguably the) global sport like football, even at elite level. Other sectors like business, government, higher education: take note. The talent is there. You aren't finding it and promoting it. Leave it too long and we'll make our own choices to go elsewhere. The story is not over by any means, but this shows what can happen with commitment from within and without. Salute to all those involved. #inclusion #inclusionmatters #diversityandinclusion #intersectionality #diversityequityinclusion #treatpeoplewell #weknowhow #identity #identitymatters #inclusiveleadership #inclusiveleader #inclusiveculture #beinclusive #bemoreinclusive #beinclusiveaboutinclusion #belonging #changeiscoming https://lnkd.in/eEF3KYqx

I am excited to learn from amazing leaders and change agents this week to discuss #payequity in #sports #ggotennis #EqualpayCA.

A positive update and promising discussion, including on the transformation of grassroots sports facilities. WARNING: What follows is shamelessly cheesy and uses more multi-sport puns than are ever necessary. This update is just the tip of the iceberg - both in terms of what has been delivered, and the potential for change that remains. You’d need a marathon of a session in the Commons to cover it all! 🏃🏻 Every day I get to work with hard-working, dedicated colleagues - within football and beyond - who are committed to delivering the best possible facilities, that deliver the strongest possible outcomes, for the people and communities that want and need them. This is not just give-and-go… 🏑 I’ve been bowled over by the number of ‘how can we do more’ and ‘how can we do it better’ discussions. 🏏 Access to good quality and welcoming facilities is about more than just sport (as amazing as sport is). It’s about improving health and well-being, providing social connectivity, developing transferable life skills and so much more. It feels like an opportunity and a responsibility in equal measure. “Do or do not. There is no try” (unless you work in rugby, in which tries are very much welcome). 🏉 Let’s embrace the challenge and smash it! 🎾

Do you have demonstrable experience of dealing with matters involving the Equality Act 2010 / leadership or management experience in a professional EDI role / significant experience of discrimination matters in a sports regulatory environment? The FA is establishing a specific Anti-Discrimination Panel which will form part of the Judicial Panel and will hear cases concerning FA Rule E3.2 (“Aggravated Breaches”) and/or FA Rule E4 (Victimisation). ⬇ ⚽ https://lnkd.in/e7h2mJjn #EDI #EqualityAct #football #sportslaw #equality #diversity #inclusion Careers in Arbitration

Check out how we are changing the game for girls! Building confidence on and off the field.