Many women and girls don’t see sporting organisations as welcoming and inclusive to them. For example, VicHealth research shows that only 31% of mums feel that sporting organisations are welcoming to them.
You can make your sport or organisation more welcoming to females by:
Promoting to women: Sports use many communication channels. These include websites, newsletters, social media, flyers and other promotional materials. Use these channels to show females that your sport is welcoming to them and has activities that would suit them. In many cases, these communications will be the first information they see about your sport organisation so you’ll need to make a positive impact. (For more information see the Facilities and access section).
Coaches, officials, instructors, and facilitators: Make sure coaches have the skills, ability and understanding to welcome and accommodate women and girls in your sport.
Welcoming officers: Clubs could nominate someone who’s role is to personally welcome and support new female participants.The Healthy Sporting Environments program showed that 67% of sport clubs have a welcoming officer to support new members. Check out this great example from the St Kilda Cycling Club.
Social activities. Ensure the social aspects of your sport or organisation include activities and events that make everyone feel comfortable and welcome, regardless of their background. VicHealth research shows that women feel that social interaction makes physical activity and sport more enjoyable.
Leadership: Get your leaders, including committee members, coaches and others, to lead by example and create a culture that supports women’s participation (for more information see the Leadership section).
Family-friendly: Think about ways you can provide a family-friendly environment for women with children and include their partners and children in club activities. For example:
- Encourage families to invite their wider family to social events and to watch games.
- Hold dedicated events during the school holidays
- Make sure the bar or alcohol is not the central or key focus of any social event.
Other great resources:
Sports Medicine Australia Active Women in Sport fact sheets
Local football clubs in the City of Hume creating sporting environments that encourage female involvement in the game at all levels.