Women and Girls in Sport

Research highlights barriers such as:

• Gender stereotyping and traditional perceptions of sport.
• Costs (clothing, equipment, memberships, travel).
• Caring responsibilities and limited disposable time.
• Male-dominated environments in sport and governance.
• Lack of media coverage of women’s sport.
• Body image concerns – 74% of young women (16–30) say body image affects participation (Young Women’s Movement Scotland, 2019).
• Menopause is also a key factor: UK research shows 23% of women aged 45–54 are inactive, 38% don’t meet guidelines, and 30% become less active during menopause.

The Difference We’re Making

Every number tells a story of progress:

• Female attendances surged 20% year on year – that’s +144.5k extra visits across Fife. 
• Who powered the growth? Adult women 18–64 added +87.6k visits, with 65+ also up an impressive 26% — activity is rising at every stage of life. 
• Junior coaching favourites: Learn to Swim and Gymnastics led the way, with Trampoline and Tennis also drawing strong interest. 
• Fastest risers in junior coaching (YoY): Activity Camp, Dance, Multi-sports, Gymnastics, Tennis and Trampoline. 
• Venue momentum: Carnegie Leisure Centre, Michael Woods Sports and Leisure Centre, Kirkcaldy Leisure Centre, East Sands Leisure Centre, Levenmouth Swimming Pool and Sports Centre, and Bowhill Swimming Pool are all significantly up in female attendance. 

Together, we’re breaking down barriers and opening doors for the next generation of women in sport.

Our Customer Highlights

Do you have a story to tell? Whether you’ve overcome barriers, experienced a dramatic transformation, or been supported by our staff and venues, we’d love to hear from you.

Fill out the form below for a chance to be featured in our Customer Highlights series.