Sport England South West
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Female Particpation in Sport  

Supporting sport

A report commissioned by Women's Sport and Fitness Foundation sets out to create the debate that will lead to the first national strategy to increase women’s participation. It has never been timelier due to the obesity crisis, the ageing national population, higher reported levels of stress, the need to build stronger communities and the commitment from Government that the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games will provide the legacy of a fitter, healthier nation.

This report seeks to:

  • highlight the critically low levels of women’s participation in sport and exercise
  • understand and explain the reasons for this, detailing in particular the complex motivations that are specific to women
  • predict the likely levels of women’s participation ten years from now in 2017, taking into account a range of social, cultural and economic factors
  • propose potential strategies to address the considerable challenges of increasing participation

Download It's Time
Useful links
Creating a Nation of Active Women
24 November 2008 - Emirates Stadium, London
This is the essential event in the sporting calendar for anyone with an interest in getting more women involved in sport and exercise. Hosted by the Women’s Sport and Fitness Foundation (WSFF), the conference will build on last year’s ground-breaking event which drew widespread national attention to the crisis in women’s physical activity. This year will set out the solutions. WSFF will present the first national strategy to create a nation of active women, drawing on expertise from a range of sectors, from retail, advertising and the media to leading domestic and international case studies in sport and exercise. Speakers include Dame Tanni Grey-Thompson DBE, Paralympian Gold Medalist and Dame Kelly Holmes CBE, Double Gold Olympic Medalist. Download WSFF Programme and Booking Form.