We’re proud to support women and girls of every age to get active, build confidence and find their thing! From swimming and gymnastics to coaching pathways, fitness classes and sports camps, we’re creating more opportunities than ever to enjoy the benefits of sport and physical activity.

The power of being active

Sport changes lives. It’s about so much more than fitness, it strengthens every part of wellbeing. Learning new skills builds confidence, moving together creates friendship and a sense of belonging. Regular activity lifts mood, reduces stress, and supports mental health. And along the way, women and girls gain life skills like teamwork, leadership, and resilience, often discovering new passions or pathways into coaching, volunteering, or competition.

The barriers girls and women face

We also know the playing field isn’t level. The 2021 Scottish Health Survey shows differences in physical activity begin in childhood, with fewer girls than boys meeting recommended levels, the biggest gap is among 13-15-year-olds. Research highlights barriers including gender stereotyping, the cost of kit and memberships, caring responsibilities and limited time, male-dominated environments, and the lack of media coverage of women’s sport. Body image is a major factor too, 74% of young women (16-30) say it affects participation. Later in life, menopause can make staying active harder. UK data shows 23% of women aged 45-54 are inactive, 38% don’t meet guidelines, and 30% become less active during this stage.

The difference we’re making

Across our venues, participation is moving in the right direction, and we’re seeing more women and girls discovering the benefits of being active. Female attendances have increased 20% year on year, with +144.5k additional visits across Fife. Adult women aged 18-64 added +87.6k visits, while participation among those 65+ rose an impressive 26%, showing that activity is increasing at every stage of life.

Numbers in action:

We know there’s still work to be done, barriers remain, and representation matters, but every increase tells a story of progress. Together with our partners, coaches, and volunteers, we’re breaking down those barriers and opening doors for the next generation of women and girls in sport.

Explore the campaign: www.fifeleisure.org.uk/women-and-girls-in-sport

Find an activity you’ll love – from Learn to Swim and RISE Gymnastics to fitness classes, public swim, athletics, climbing, local clubs, and sports camps, there’s something for everyone to enjoy!

Find an activity near you: www.fifeleisure.org.uk/activities

Become a role model – volunteering is a brilliant way to make a difference locally and inspire the next generation.

Current opportunities: www.fifeleisure.org.uk/about/jobs/volunteering

Share your story – have you overcome a barrier, found confidence, or been supported by our teams? We’d love to hear from you for our Customer Highlights series.

Submit your story: www.fifeleisure.org.uk/customer-highlights

Join the conversation – follow @FifeLeisure on social media, share your experiences, and help us encourage more women and girls to get active.