Ask almost any grassroots sports club what they need more of and there is a good chance volunteers will be somewhere near the top of the list. More coaches. More committee members. Someone to run the social media. Someone to organise events. Someone to help with...
A thriving community sports club isn't simply measured by the number of teams it runs or the trophies it wins. The strongest clubs create an environment where people want to belong, volunteers feel valued, and participants return year after year. Whether you're an...
Every girl deserves the opportunity to experience the lifelong benefits of sport. From building confidence and friendships to improving physical and mental wellbeing, sport has the power to shape lives far beyond childhood. Yet, despite increasing participation in...
For years, sport has often been viewed through a fairly traditional lens. Many people grew up supporting the same football team as their parents, attending matches with family members, and following established sporting traditions. While that still exists,...
Many grassroots sports clubs are powered by passionate individuals who go above and beyond to keep things running. They organise fixtures, manage registrations, recruit players, update social media, arrange volunteers and often step in to solve problems at the last...
Across the country, more clubs than ever are trying to grow their girls’ sections. There’s huge demand, increased visibility in the women’s game and more girls wanting to play football than ever before. But despite all of that momentum, many clubs still struggle to...
When clubs and organisations talk about growing girls’ sport participation, the focus is often placed on players themselves: How do we recruit more girls? How do we retain players? How do we improve confidence and enjoyment? But one of the biggest influences on...
More grassroots clubs than ever want to grow opportunities for women and girls in football. Across the country, clubs are launching new teams, creating girls’ sections and exploring how they can become more inclusive environments. But while starting a girls’ team...
Across almost every recent conversation I’ve had with grassroots football clubs, one theme keeps coming up again and again: “We want to grow… but we don’t have enough volunteers.” Whether it’s running Wildcats sessions, starting new girls’ teams, managing admin, or...
Girls’ participation in sport has improved a lot in recent years, but there’s still a clear drop-off as girls get older. From my experience working with clubs, schools and community programmes, this isn’t usually down to ability. It’s much more about confidence,...
Sport can play a transformative role in the lives of girls and young women. From improved physical health to stronger confidence and leadership skills, participation in sport offers benefits that extend far beyond the playing field. Yet research shows that girls...
Many girls start their sporting journey with enthusiasm and confidence, yet participation often declines during the teenage years. Research consistently shows that girls are more likely than boys to drop out of sport during adolescence. For clubs, schools and...
International Women’s Day is a powerful moment to highlight progress in women’s sport, but it is also an opportunity for grassroots clubs to take meaningful action. Across the UK and globally, girls are still more likely than boys to drop out of sport during their...
Women’s History Month is a powerful opportunity to celebrate the achievements of women who have shaped sport at every level. From Olympic champions to grassroots pioneers, female athletes have broken barriers and inspired generations. If you are a coach, teacher or...
Sport gives children some of their earliest lessons about success, disappointment, confidence, and resilience. A last-minute goal, a heavy defeat, a missed penalty, a personal best. These moments stick with them far longer than we often realise. What children take...
When we talk about girls in sport, participation is often the first goal. Getting more girls through the door matters. But staying involved, growing in confidence, and seeing themselves as leaders matters just as much. Leadership in sport is not just about being...
From an early age, many girls receive subtle messages about which sports are “for them” and which are not. Football is too rough. Rugby is for boys. Weightlifting will make you bulky. Gymnastics is fine, but only if you look a certain way. These stereotypes can...
For many girls, sport can be a powerful confidence booster. It can also be one of the places where worries about body image show up most strongly. Tight kits, changing rooms, mirrors, photos on social media and comparisons with teammates can all make girls feel...
Grassroots sports clubs play a huge role in shaping girls’ experiences of sport and whether they stick with it for life. While many clubs genuinely want to attract and retain more girls, good intentions don’t always translate into a welcoming environment. The good...
Social media is everywhere – it shapes the way we see ourselves, connect with others and discover new interests. But when it comes to sport and fitness, it can be a double-edged sword. Scroll through your feed and you’ll find everything from inspiring athletes and...
Supporting women and girls in sport doesn’t always mean being on the pitch or in the gym. There are so many ways you can make a real difference, from giving your time to raising funds or simply sharing a message. We've been talking about this a lot recently as we...
When people think about sport, they often picture competition, fitness and teamwork. But sport does far more than help players stay active or win medals. It’s also a powerful teacher, shaping qualities and skills that carry over into the classroom, workplace and...
In today’s fast-paced world, looking after our mental health is just as important as staying physically fit. One of the most effective and enjoyable ways to support both body and mind is through sport. And few sports offer as many mental health benefits as...
Sport has always been about more than the scoreboard. Beyond the sweat, training, and matchday excitement, there’s a quieter force at play - one that shapes identity, confidence, and connection. For girls, this often takes the form of something special: the...
When someone close to you suffers an injury, it can be difficult to know how best to help. Whether it’s a broken bone, a sprain, or a longer-term recovery process, support from friends and family makes a significant difference. Showing care, patience, and...
Women’s sport in the UK has grown from the fringes to the forefront of national attention, with landmark achievements and inspiring athletes blazing a trail across generations. While the journey has not been without challenges, each triumph has helped shape a more...
For many girls, sport is a joyful outlet - a place to grow, belong and shine. But as they hit their teenage years, participation often drops sharply. Pressure from school, shifting social priorities, and body image worries can all play a part. At Sport Sister, we...
In recent years, women’s sport has experienced a surge in visibility, participation, and commercial interest. While cultural shifts and advocacy have played a major role, one cannot ignore the powerful influence of technology in accelerating this growth. From...
Whether you're just starting out in a new sport or aiming to take your performance to the next level, setting goals is one of the most powerful ways to stay motivated and track your progress. But not all goals are created equal. Unrealistic expectations can lead to...
Girls’ football has never been more exciting. With the Lionesses inspiring a new generation and grassroots participation on the rise, it's been an exciting time to launch our football after-school clubs tailored specifically for girls. But what does it take to get...
While women’s sport is gaining long-overdue recognition on the national stage, many communities still face a stark imbalance in the quality and availability of facilities for women and girls. Grassroots access remains a pressing issue, from limited pitch time to...
Since we launched Sport Sister Community, it's become a big priority for us to continue to develop our links with the local community. Whether you're a local business, a non-profit, or a community initiative, partnering with schools and local clubs can be a...
In recent years, women’s sport has made significant strides - on the pitch, in the stands, and across our screens. From record-breaking attendances at women’s football matches to increased media coverage of female athletes, the landscape is gradually shifting....
The world of women’s sport is gaining long-overdue momentum, with growing audiences, improved media coverage, and a surge in grassroots participation. Yet for many women’s sports businesses — like Sport Sister and Sport Sister Community — marketing remains a...
For decades, motorsport has been seen as a male-dominated arena—an adrenaline-fueled world where speed, grit, and engineering prowess reign supreme. But in recent years, the tide has begun to shift. A new wave of female drivers, engineers, team owners, and fans are...
The sports industry has long been perceived as a male-dominated field, but women are increasingly making their mark in various roles, from sports journalism and coaching to management and broadcasting. Breaking into this industry can be challenging, but with the...
Sports play a vital role in the physical and mental well-being of young people, yet participation rates among girls remain significantly lower than those of boys. Many factors contribute to this disparity, including lack of encouragement, inadequate facilities, and...
One of the things we often talk about when it comes to engaging more women and girls in sport is how helpful it is to take away any surprises and let people know what to expect. We're taking our own advice and thought it would be useful to take you through a step...
Teenage girls are dropping out of sports at an alarming rate, with studies suggesting they quit at nearly twice the rate of boys. The reasons for this decline are complex and multifaceted, but one thing is clear: something must be done to address the issue. Keeping...
When I started working, I tried a number of different jobs and careers before I settled on sport. When I became self-employed, sport was always going to be the industry I focused my business on. If you eat, sleep, and breathe sports, turning that passion into a...
Updated for 2026 with the latest participation trends and fastest growing sports. As we step into 2026, the world of sport continues to evolve, offering new and exciting opportunities for women and girls to stay active, build confidence, and foster teamwork....
Finding players for a girls’ sports team can be one of the biggest challenges when you’re starting out. Whether you’re launching a new team or trying to grow an existing one, it often takes more than just putting up a post and hoping people turn up. From my...
Joining a team sport isn’t just about the game; it’s about improving overall health, building meaningful connections, and sharpening life skills that extend far beyond the pitch. Let’s explore the physical, mental, and social benefits that make team sports an...
Promoting a sports event can often feel like a challenge, especially when you’ve put time into organising something and just want people to turn up. From experience, the most effective promotion isn’t about one big push. It’s about consistency, visibility and...
(complete 2026 step-by-step guide + checklist) Organising a sports tournament can feel overwhelming, whether you are planning a school competition, a community event or a club championship. With the right structure and preparation, it can become an exciting and...
Creating a safe and supportive environment for girls in sport is essential for fostering their physical, mental, and emotional well-being. It promotes not only their participation but also their development and enjoyment of the sport. Here’s a guide on how to...
As those of you who follow us on social media will know, we're currently in the process of organising a girls' football event in our local area. There are a lot of things to do as part of the planning of the event so I thought I'd use this week's blog to share a...
Sport Sister is nearly 3 years old and as with most businesses, we are growing and evolving all the time. I thought I'd use this week's blog post to talk about how things are changing, some of our future plans, and how this can help you achieve your ambitions....
In recent years, the landscape of sport has undergone a significant transformation. Women have made remarkable strides as athletes, and their impact is now being felt beyond the playing field. Women in sports leadership roles are crucial for fostering an inclusive,...
With women and girls sport growing at an exciting rate, many people are looking at starting new female teams, but where do you start? This guide provides step-by-step instructions and essential tips for launching your own sports team: Define Your Team's Identity:...
I caught up with a really interesting webinar hosted by IPSE this week (in the car whilst the kids were at football training, because that's what the juggle is like!) The presenter, Kate Horwood, talked about the work she did coaching and mentoring, and something...
At the heart of every successful grassroots sports club is communication that works for everyone. From coaches and volunteers to players, parents and the wider community, how a club communicates can be the difference between confusion and connection. Effective...
We're fortunate to work with a lot of great clients at Sport Sister and when it comes to being a project manager and consultant, juggling multiple clients is all part of the job. While it's exciting to have a diverse portfolio of projects, it also comes with its...
We have a very clear purpose at Sport Sister - to help organisations grow female participation in sport. I articulate this purpose multiple times a day to various different people, and am often asked "How do you do that?" So I thought I would use this week's blog...
If you’ve ever started a new fitness routine, joined a sports club, or set yourself a goal to run your first 5K, you’ll know that starting is exciting. Everything feels fresh and full of promise. But after the first rush of enthusiasm, life often gets in the way -...
I often get asked by people how to get a job in sport, or how to build a career in sport. I find this so interesting because I know so many different routes that people have taken to working in sport and there is no right way to do it. I thought I'd use this week's...
A strong sense of belonging can be the difference between a successful sports club and one that struggles to keep members engaged. For girls in particular, playing team sports offers the opportunity to feel part of something bigger. This sense of belonging builds...
This might seem like a strange title for a blog post, but bear with me. For those of us involved in women’s and girls’ sport, the answer feels obvious: providing opportunities for women and girls is simply the right thing to do. Everyone should have equal access to...
September always feels like a fresh start to me. Perhaps it’s because we grow up associating this time of year with the start of a new academic year or because, as a football fan, it marks the beginning of a new season. Either way, I love September! For me, it’s a...
A lot of the work we do to grow women's and girls' participation in sport involves working with sports that have historically been mostly played by, and run by, men. One of the challenges that is regularly raised is how to infiltrate the 'old boys club', how to...
The other day I had a chat with one of our clients, and they talked to me about why they wanted us involved in a particular project. It made me realise that Sport Sister brings something truly unique to a project. So what is it? An in-depth...
One of the most important outcomes of taking part in sport is the positive impact it can have on confidence. Unfortunately, a negative experience can have the opposite effect and dent confidence. Many women will have experienced this from PE lessons,...
My favourite thing about running my own business is being in control of what I'm working on and controlling my time (within reason!) Obviously, there are things that are outside of my control but generally I'm fortunate to be able to choose the projects I...
I almost feel like I'm tempting fate by writing this but *whispering* it feels like the warmer weather has finally arrived. I've been looking for any excuse to step away from my desk and go out into the garden this week. The warmer weather inevitably encourages...
My sons recently decided they wanted to join musical theatre classes, so I've signed them up for a local class. The way they have been welcomed into the group has been flawless, and I think there are some things this club does that would be useful to sports clubs,...
Facilities are a huge part of the experience for participants in sport. They can make a big difference in how people perceive your club. So how can you make sure your facilities are welcoming for women and girls? Here are some top tips: 1....
Any of you involved in club committees will know that August is a busy time of year. Seasons have started or are due to start, players need to be registered, kit and equipment checked or purchased, and volunteers to be recruited. I recently hosted...
It's been amazing the last few weeks to be able to contact clubs that have been successful in their applications for the Sport Sister Club Development Grants and fantastic to hear what they're planning on spending the money on and the positive impact it will have....
2022 is an exciting year for women's sport. We've already had the Winter Olympics, Six Nations and the Cricket World Cup and we still have the Football Euros, Commonwealth Games, Rugby World Cup and Rugby League World Cup to come! Inevitably, when...
At Sport Sister we do a lot of work with clubs and it's fantastic to see so many clubs are keen to expand their offer for women and girls - more teams, more sessions and lots of exciting plans. But if you've decided you want to engage more women and girls in...
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