Is the lack of girls' participation in football, a lack of opportunity or lack of encouragement?
Photo credit: "Girls Football Final 5"by Jetekus is licensed under CC BY-NC-ND 2.0
According to the FA, the number of women and girls playing football in England has reached 3.4 million. This is alongside a 54% increase in affiliated women’s and girls’ team, since 2014. Additionally, there are now 1,250 centres across the country where 5-11-year-old females can get involved in the game.
These record-breaking statistics come after the FA launched its Gameplan for Growth in 2017, alongside targets of doubling female participation across football by 2020. One of the initiatives aims particularly focused on encouraging participation from girls at a young age. This is demonstrated through the launch of the SSE Wildcat Centres, which provides free training for girls on a weekly basis.
Alongside the FA’s Gameplan for Growth, the Women’s 2019 World cup has played a large factor in encouraging girls’ contribution in football. Not only is this due to the success of the lionesses, but the role of media coverage for the event. A recorded 11 million people tuned into the semi-final, making it the most watched television event of the year and creating an array of role models. Additionally, WSL matches are now broadcast live on BT Sport, by the BBC via their red button service and online.
However, in today’s society there is still a penetrating stigma surrounding women’s’ football. Whilst there are growing opportunities for girls to engage in football, is there active encouragement? There is a lack of change regarding perception and social barriers, with the sport still regarded, “a game for boys”. For example in a 2018 article by The Guardian , they reported that the most frequent reason preventing girls from playing football, is the fear that boys will be judgemental or laugh. In addition, a 2018 report from the BBC identified girl being called a “lesbian” for playing football. Until social issues like this is addressed, women’s football won’t be able to flourish to the extent of the male game.
What do you think, lack of opportunity or lack of encouragement?
Comments