England Netball | Women in Sport Launch New Research on the Experiences of Black British Girls in Sport

In addition to England Netball, the charity is partnering with British Cycling, British Rowing, England Hockey, the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB), the Football Association (FA), the Lawn Tennis Association (LTA), and the Rugby Football Union (RFU).

Through its extensive research into teenage girls’ relationships with sport and physical activity, Women in Sport has identified a significant and unique disconnect in the experiences of Black girls.

Although only 35% of Black British girls meet the recommended physical activity levels, they report the most positive attitudes towards sport of all ethnic groups, enjoying it more and having more confidence.

The charity’s Dream Deficit research has revealed that 62% of Black British girls dream of reaching the top in sport compared to 24% of their White British counterparts, but that Black girls are among the least active groups.

Women in Sport wants to bridge the gap by building insights into the experiences of Black British teenage girls when it comes to sport. Alongside its partners in the sport sector and beyond, Women in Sport is committed to addressing these disparities and tackling inequalities, ensuring Black British girls receive the recognition, resources, and opportunities needed to thrive.

Current data reveals:

Many Black British girls feel that sport lacks relevance to their wider lives (31% vs. 24% for Asian British girls) [i]
Black British girls are the most likely to lack access to outdoor spaces for exercise or play, with 5% reporting no access, compared to just 2% of White girls [ii]
More than half (53%) of Black teenage girls were sporty in primary school but have since dropped out of sport [iii]
26% of Black British girls report the lowest life satisfaction, significantly lower than their White British and Asian peers [iv]

Women in Sport ambassador, Tessa Sanderson CBE, who in 1984 became the first Black British woman to win an Olympic gold medal said: “I’m so delighted this research is underway. Black girls face such a lot of extra barriers in their lives and sport can unlock so much. Not everyone will get to the Olympics, but it helps with our academic work, it’s good for our mental health, it teaches us how to be resilient. These are all skills Black girls need and they deserve the opportunity to build; and what’s more they want to; they’re just not getting the right chances. “

The new research will explore the challenges, needs and aspirations of Black teenage girls in the UK and examine socio-cultural factors that shape their relationship with physical activity. The findings from this research will be used to drive meaningful change across the sports sector to tackle the inequalities in sport and physical activity for Black British teenage girls.

Women in Sport CEO, Stephanie Hilborne OBE said: “It is brilliant that Black British girls have a passion for sport and a belief in their ability to succeed. It is simply wrong that so few Black girls are getting the chance to take part and we can’t turn a blind eye. We were delighted by the response of our sports partners when we sought their support for this research. We know they are committed to listening to the voices of Black girls to help to drive meaningful change in the system. Sport can offer hope to teenage girls, a group whose happiness is spiralling downwards [ref Girlguiding]. Black British girls are seeking sporting joy more than any other girls, so we must make sure they are able to pursue their dreams, both in sport and in their wider lives.”

The qualitative research will be followed by a nationally representative survey of girls and boys, with the findings scheduled to be published in Spring 2025.

[i] Women in Sport (2022) Reframing Sport for Teenage Girls: Tackling Teenage Disengagement. Source: https://womeninsport.org/resource/reframing-sport-for-teenage-girls-tackling-teenage-disengagement/

[ii] Sport England Active Lives CYP 2022/23. Source: Active Lives Children and Young People Survey – academic year 2022-23 report.pdf

[iii] Women in Sport (2022) Reframing Sport for Teenage Girls: Tackling Teenage Disengagement. Source: https://womeninsport.org/resource/reframing-sport-for-teenage-girls-tackling-teenage-disengagement/

[iv] Sport England Active Lives CYP 2022/23. Source: Active Lives Children and Young People Survey – academic year 2022-23 report.pdf