1 WSFF Who are we? What do we do?

2 WSFF overview Unique UK charity, funded by Government & private sponsorship, with the PM’s personal backing –WSFF CEO: DCMS Ministerial adviser on women’s sport Exist to increase the health, fitness and well-being of women and girls by making physical activity an integral part of their daily lives –50.6% of the population - key to a successful 2012 Legacy Leaders in insight & innovation –Produced benchmark research study revealing the crisis in women’s physical activity: “It’s time” (November ‘07) –Launched first national strategy to “Create a Nation of Active Women” with Secretary of State (July ‘08)

3 WSFF goals: –Ensure sport and fitness deliverers give the customer what she wants –Foster a culture in which active is attractive –Persuade policy makers to use their influence and resources to achieve our vision

4 The issues: why does WSFF need to exist? 80% of women do too little sport & exercise to benefit their health Young women are half as active as young men Less than 3% of women play competitive team sports –13% of men play football v.1% of women A quarter of women say that PE at school put them off sport for life

5 Why we exist cont. Activity levels forecast to fall without intervention Women feel greater cultural pressure to be thin than healthy There is more than 50 times as much coverage in the media for men’s sport than there is for women’s Women’s sport is significantly short changed re: funding

6 Barriers for Women & Girls Practical Lack of money, time, childcare or transport Funding Access to facilities Personal Body Image Clothing & equipment Lack of self-confidence Parental & Adult Influence

7 Barriers for Women & Girls Social & Cultural Attitudes & prejudices about sexuality, disability & ethnicity Male-dominated culture of sport Sexual harassment & abuse Lack of media representation & female role models in sport

It’s Time WSFF Research (National) Key Findings Girls become less active throughout their teens Perception vs Reality gap Preference for exercise rather than sport It’s for boys! It’s uncool Body image and self confidence Venue Relationship and break-up increase

9 Leadership in sport and fitness Coaching –Around 4% of men and 2.5% of women are involved in coaching –Women make up just 25% of the highest qualified elite and development coaches Volunteering –Double the proportion of men than women volunteer in sport

10 Any Questions? Katy Storie