Tanni Grey-Thompson calls for bold action to get more girls into sport

“Progress has been made in some areas during the last couple of decades, certainly in terms of exposure and visibility for women’s elite sport, but participation inequalities still exist. The simple fact is that fewer women and girls participate in sport than men and boys in Wales, and that has been the case forever.  

“The gender gap begins in childhood so it’s vital that we get more girls engaged in sport and physical activity from a young age and keep them coming back for more. 

“At Sport Wales, we want this summer of women’s sport to be a watershed moment. 

Manifesto recommendations for sport

“In the run up to the Senedd elections next spring we are urging political parties in Wales to include policies in their manifestos which will help to level the playing field for women and girls as well as supporting other groups of people who are currently under-represented in sport.” 

• One recommendation is to increase funding for sport in Wales so that it is comparable with similar countries. To be on a par with European nations of a similar population size, an additional £208m annual investment is needed.
• Another recommendation is for Wales to have a completely new approach to young people’s engagement in physical activity in and around the school day, which in turn will support more girls to be engaged in sport.

Tanni, who was last week reappointed as Sport Wales Chair for the next three years, said:

Tanni added: “It isn’t just about throwing extra money at the problem. It’s about using the funding wisely. We’re really enthused by the way our partners who deliver sport in Wales are working to break down the barriers that hold women and girls back and are creating sporting environments where everyone can thrive - whenever, wherever, however and for life. Increased investment would support even more of this work. 

"Welsh sport is becoming more led by people’s needs. The organisations that we fund are working hard to gain a better understanding of what people want from sport so that they can create opportunities that appeal to them at whatever stage they are at in their lives."

Sport Wales’ plans for schools

Moving on to discuss Sport Wales’ plans for schools, Tanni said: “We know we have a specific issue with girls not being active enough, but many boys aren’t getting enough exercise either. Kids need to be moving more and we must create a better infrastructure which allows that to happen. 

“We're developing an initiative to support schools in creating more opportunities for young people to be active throughout and around the school day, increasing skills and confidence in physical activity, and providing better connections with their local communities. This is particularly important for girls as our insight tells us that girls can lack the confidence to try new sports. 

“The initiative would integrate sport and physical activity into young people’s daily routines, setting them up for a lifetime of healthy habits.” 

“Our latest School Sport Survey figures noted that only 36% of girls take part in organised sport outside of the curriculum three or more times a week, compared to 43% of boys. 

“However, the survey also told us that a staggering 94% of girls want more opportunities to be more active. The desire is there but the existing infrastructure and environment in and around the school day is not supporting that to take place.” 

Tanni concluded: “Having a fitter and healthier nation would naturally create a bigger talent pool for nurturing elite success. 

“If we want more success for our female athletes on the world stage, that starts by investing in grassroots opportunities. 

“This summer of women’s sport has been amazing. Let’s build on this momentum and make lasting change.”