Athletes Unlimited’s Post

Happy National Girls & Women in Sports Day! All girls should have the opportunity to participate in #sports. According to Women's Sports Foundation, which co-created this day of recognition, high school girls have 3 million more opportunities to participate in sports today than they had before Title IX. But disparities persist. White high school girls are missing out on 18% of the opportunities that boys have. Black and Latinx girls are missing out on 33%. Sports offer a wide range of health benefits. They also build confidence, strength, and character — empowering girls to become leaders. Check out https://lnkd.in/e4HvXQY to learn more about how you can get involved in #NGWSD2024. #genderequity #genderequality

I dedicate this post note to young girl who was recently taunted at school by boys for playing football. Making Strides............ 👏The FA has made huge strides in creating opportunities for women and girls to play our national sport. Football is now officially the biggest female team sport in England. 📈Last season, over 147,000 female players competed in affiliated league and cup competitions – a figure which has risen from just 10,400 in 1993, when records started. But, there is still massive growth potential. 1.1 million girls play kickabout football and yet there are still barriers to overcome. 😞The culture of sport itself presents a problem. Some argue that sport has traditionally been defined, organised, promoted and constructed as a male activity. Some women and young girls are turned off ‘sport’ altogether. Fear of sexism and harassment may prevent some women and girls from enjoying football. Some male attitude towards women and girls is often shown to be problematic; however their behaviours continue to influence many females wanting to or already play the game. Consistent sanctions for offenders can help women to feel safer and more valued as a member of a football team. 😁⚽Underpinning all our work there are some key messages - Football is fun, it improves self-esteem, creates new friendships, good for your heath – and like all sport, it plays a key role in building confidence. Whether you are a boy or a girl playing football - Let’s keep it that way! #equal #opportunity #challenging #stereotypes #inspiring #nextgeneration #community #inclusion 

If sport brings boundless joy, why should girls not get the chance to play? Think of all the reasons women are advised to stay away from sports, from any form of play, and rethink about them. Why not? A 2022 survey by Women in Sports reported that more than 1 million teenage girls, 43%, who once considered themselves sporty dropped out of a sport after primary school. At Maitrayana, we believe in the power of sport to transform lives, challenge the status quo, open the door to opportunities, and the claiming of one's agency. The Young People's Initiative (YPI) has empowered thousands of girls and young women through sports and we want to make sport accessible for all women. We have some exciting plans to make it happen! Do you want to join us in a celebration of girls in sport? Do you want to join us in breaking the barriers to accessing sport faced by women? Keep looking here for more information soon! . (Video Description: Poster with exciting and inspirational background music. The poster has a picture of girls running and laughing with joy during a sport activity in slide 1. Slide 2 has a picture of girls playing Netball and celebrating catching the ball. Slide 1 text says, 'Does sport bring joy?' Slide 2 text says, 'Then why to gatekeep it from girls?') . #girlsinsports #adolescentgirls #youngwomen #femaleleadership #S4D

#Ad In the heart of our communities, dreams are born. On playgrounds, in school gyms, and on local courts, young girls discover their passion for sports. But for many, the journey is met with unnecessary hurdles. Did you know that only 25% of girls aged 6-12 meet the daily exercise guidelines, compared to nearly 50% of boys? And as they grow older, the gap widens even more. At Black Country Basketball Club, we believe that no girl or woman should be held back from pursuing her dreams because of inequality. One often overlooked but crucial piece of athletic gear is the sports bra. Essential for comfort and performance, yet it can be a costly barrier for many. That’s why we’re launching the “Supporting Women in Sports” campaign. Our mission is to raise awareness and provide sports bras to girls and women across our community. By doing so, we’re not just handing out an item of clothing—we’re investing in their future, their confidence, and their ability to compete on an equal footing. Imagine a world where every girl steps onto the court feeling supported, confident, and ready to give her best. By addressing these disparities, we’re not just changing the game—we’re redefining it. Join us in this movement. Let’s ensure that no dream is left unfulfilled, and no girl is left behind. Because together, we can support women in sports, one sports bra at a time. Videographer: @ermiyas_films Directed by @hope_akedika #weareblackcountry

Five things to know about women and sport 1. Women’s sport is growing 2. Girls who play sport gain life-long benefits 3. Women athletes are impactful role models 4. Women lead the future of sport 5. Equal play for equal pay I especially resonate with #2 because I know first-hand that playing sports has had significant, lifelong benefits for me. Playing sport promotes staying in school, delays pregnancy, and enhances job prospects. Sports foster confidence, resilience, and teamwork, crucial for personal and professional growth. Notably, 80% of female Fortune 500 CEOs played sports in their youth. However, girls drop out of sports at twice the rate of boys by age 14 due to social pressures and lack of investment. As leaders in sport, we must address these barriers and level the playing field for girls and women so that sports can positively impact more girls' lives. 📣 Leadership Call to Action: Audit your sporting organisation to ensure it is supportive, safe, and inclusive sports of girls to foster their development and leadership skills. #WomenInSport #AdvancingWomen #Sport

The National Girls and Women in Sports Day is an annual day of observance held during the first week of February to acknowledge the accomplishments of female athletes, recognize the influence of sports participation for women and girls, and honor the progress and advocation for equality for women in sports. This February marks the 38th National Girls and Women in Sports Day. The annual event celebrates the millions of girls and women involved in sports, including college athletes. Women have come a long way since women's colleges called off their intercollegiate tournaments. Title IX of the Education Act was introduced in 1972 and states that women are allowed equal opportunity in education and in sport. Title IX has encouraged generations of women to play sports in college. The sports world as a whole has benefitted from the investment in girls' and women's sports. Women have achieved many milestones and accomplishments in various sports and athletics. However, women still face challenges and inequalities in sports. Discrimination, harassment, pay gap, and lack of media coverage are still prevalent. Despite barriers, women have fought and continue to fight to be seen as equal in their athletic capabilities. Women continue to advocate for their rights and empowerment in sports, and to inspire future generations of female athletes. “Greatness finds us by obstacles in front of us. I don’t look at hurdles as obstacles blocking my path but opportunities to overcome.”- Lolo Jones #womeninsports #womeninspiringwomen #inspire #opportunity #achievement #challenges #success #mindset #determination #womenempowerment

I am the captain of a grass roots women’s football team called Assisterhood FC, and have been incredibly discouraged by the pitch politics that have been taking place. As we celebrate #NationalInclusionWeek, it's disheartening to see that many women's football leagues are being kicked off their pitches and replaced by men's leagues. This isn't just about losing access to physical space; it's about the ongoing fight for equality, representation, and respect in sport. One company holds the monopoly for pitch hire in London and it puts profit over community. Women's football has been growing at an incredible pace, inspiring new generations, breaking records, and challenging outdated perceptions. But the message when men’s leagues are prioritised over women’s is clear: we still have a long way to go in truly valuing women's sports. We must do better. Inclusion isn't just about making space for everyone — it's about ensuring that space is equitable, where all athletes, regardless of gender, have access to the same opportunities, facilities, and respect. At Higson, we believe in the power of creating inclusive environments in every arena — from workplaces to sports fields. We stand with women's football teams, and all those fighting for gender equity in sport. Let's use this week as a reminder to push for lasting change, both on and off the pitch.

Five things to know about women and sport 1. Women’s sport is growing 2. Girls who play sport gain life-long benefits 3. Women athletes are impactful role models 4. Women lead the future of sport 5. Equal play for equal pay I especially resonate with #2 because I know first-hand that playing sports has had significant, lifelong benefits for me. Playing sport promotes staying in school, delays pregnancy, and enhances job prospects. Sports foster confidence, resilience, and teamwork, crucial for personal and professional growth. Notably, 80% of female Fortune 500 CEOs played sports in their youth. However, girls drop out of sports at twice the rate of boys by age 14 due to social pressures and lack of investment. As leaders in sport, we must address these barriers and level the playing field for girls and women so that sports can positively impact more girls' lives. 📣 Leadership Call to Action: Audit your sporting organisation to ensure it is supportive, safe, and inclusive sports of girls to foster their development and leadership skills. #WomenInSport #AdvancingWomen #Sport

Did you know that in 2022, over one million teenage girls who once considered themselves as ‘sporty’ disengaged from sport following primary school? (Research by Women in Sport) As coaches, we can play a big part in keeping girls in sport 💙 Ahead of #InternationalWomensDay tomorrow, here are 5 ways for coaches to encourage girls in sport and physical activity, adapted from this article written with Women in Sport's Tanya Martin and Shotgun coach Georgina Roberts: https://bit.ly/43IyGdG

Did you know that 94% of women who hold C-Suite leadership positions are former athletes? Though there are 1.3 million fewer opportunities for girls to participate in high school sports than boys. Despite the fact that Title IV has been in effect for 50 years the gender gap in sports participation still remains. On this #NGWSD2024, do your part by 📣 Raise awareness of the "play gap" by posting on social media. 🖌 Create solutions by thanking females you know in the sporting environment such as coaches, journalist, training staff etc. 💡 Inspire change by advocating and being active participants in playing, viewing, and celebrating women's sports.