Celebrating females in sport

Women’s sports have come of age – and the change-makers are ready to pass the baton. Here LK draws in experts, athletes, coaches and women and females in the know to bring a series of celebratory features.

With the historic success of our Lionesses at the Euros in mind and a summer of women’s sport to look forward to, it’s time to celebrate how far we’ve come. But it’s also time to take stock of what’s still to be done and where we go from here.

Research suggests that 47% of English women disliked PE and 6 million women do less than 30 minutes of exercise a week.

There should be no question or no one should get less of an opportunity for being a woman

So it’s time to create a safe space for women in sport at all levels. After all, the physical and mental benefits last long after the sweat has been washed away.

Sport teaches goal-setting, strategic thinking and the pursuit of excellence – critical skills in the workplace and in the world of leadership.

So let’s salute the athletes and the activists empowering the sportswomen and leaders of the future. Then let’s lace up our trainers and get out there. The benefits of sport for women go far beyond the pitch – they reach every facet of our lives.

1.3m girls drop out of sport before they start secondary school