1) Increased participation:
More young women are engaging in sports than ever before. Schools, communities, and sports organisations have placed greater emphasis on providing opportunities for girls to participate in a wide range of sports, encouraging active lifestyles and fostering their athletic abilities.
2) Breaking stereotypes:
Young women in sport are challenging traditional gender stereotypes and proving that they can excel in any sport they choose. They are participating in sports traditionally dominated by men, such as football (soccer), basketball, cricket, rugby and martial arts, among others, and showcasing their skills and abilities on a global stage.
3) Role models:
The rise of female athletes as role models has had a significant impact on young women in sport. Through their achievements and determination, athletes like Serena Williams, Simone Biles, Megan Rapinoe, and many others have inspired countless girls to pursue their athletic dreams and believe in their abilities.
4) Increased media coverage:
The media has played a crucial role in raising awareness of women's sports and providing greater coverage of female athletes. This increased visibility helps to generate interest, support, and sponsorship for young women in sport, ultimately leading to more opportunities and resources for their development.
5. Scholarships and grants:
Many educational institutions and sports organisations offer scholarships and grants specifically aimed at supporting young women in sport. These opportunities provide financial assistance, training resources, and mentorship to talented athletes, enabling them to pursue their athletic goals while obtaining an education.
6. Advocacy and support:
Various organisations and initiatives have emerged to advocate for the rights and empowerment of young women in sport. These efforts focus on addressing gender inequality, promoting fair treatment, and ensuring equal opportunities for girls and women in all aspects of sports.
7. Mental and physical health benefits:
Engaging in sports has numerous benefits for young women's mental and physical health. Regular physical activity not only improves overall fitness but also enhances self-confidence, fosters teamwork, teaches discipline and goal-setting, and promotes a positive body image. Despite these positive developments, there are still challenges that young women in sport face, including unequal pay, limited media coverage, and gender biases. However, with continued progress and support, the future looks promising for young women pursuing their passions in sports.
Willow will be participating in Three Event Tournament Water-skiing, where she hopes to score highly enough to qualify for the British National Championships in August.
Based on the South Coast, Willow was recently awarded the trophy for ‘The most improved female skier’ by The Waterski Academy at their annual awards ceremony. She has also completed her Gold Award for Trick and Slalom skiing which along with Jump Skiing, make up the three events of a Three Event Waterski Tournament.
Training in all weathers (including sub-zero temperatures), Willow initially tried water skiing at an after-school club, created by a partnership with Chichester Free School and Chichester Waterski Club. Her natural aptitude was immediately spotted by the club’s coach Duke Hazzard. Suggesting she try Trick Skiing; Passing his protégé on to former British Team member, now waterski coach Nick McGarry at The Waterski Academy due to Chichester being closed over winter. Willow’s parents now take her on the five hundred round trip journey twice a month to Lancashire in order for her to continue training in addition to visiting JB Waterski in Surrey.
“Hi, I’m Willow, and after reading all the statistics about women in sport I would really love to encourage other girls to try different sports. I will continue to train hard in all weathers and continue to travel up to Manchester for my winter training to hopefully get accepted to compete in the national championship in August. I would love for my story to inspire other girls as you never know where sport can lead you and without being introduced to water-skiing, I would have never found my love, passion and dedication for the sport and I want others to find theirs. It would be amazing if you could help me to help others and myself along this journey”
Willow, age 14
Hi,
Thank you for your interest in Women in Sport.
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The Mediapreneur Team
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