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...
Whether you're running a grassroots football club, a national governing body or a professional sports organisation, strong leadership is essential. But increasingly, research and real-world experience show that the most successful organisations don't rely on...
When we think about elite athletes, it's easy to focus on the end result. The international appearances, championship medals and professional contracts often dominate the headlines. What is less visible is where the journey started. Behind almost every successful...
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,...
Most sports clubs would describe themselves as welcoming, but being welcoming and being truly inclusive are not always the same thing. A welcoming club might say hello when someone arrives. An inclusive club thinks carefully about whether people can access the...
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...
Organising a school sports day can feel like a big task, but when it’s done well, it can be one of the most enjoyable and memorable events of the school year. From my experience working with schools and delivering sports sessions, the most successful sports days...
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,...
A great sports team captain can have a huge impact on a team’s performance, culture and overall experience. While skill and ability are important, the role of a captain goes far beyond what happens on the pitch. Whether at grassroots level or elite sport, a strong...
Strong teams are not just built through training sessions and match days. Team culture, trust and communication play a huge role in performance and enjoyment. Team building activities help players connect, improve communication and build confidence both on and off...
Securing sponsorship can make a huge difference to a sports team or tournament. Whether you need funding for equipment, travel, kit or event costs, the right sponsor can provide both financial support and increased visibility. For grassroots clubs and community...
Running a sports team or club often comes with significant costs. Equipment, travel, facility hire, coaching and competition fees can quickly add up. For many grassroots organisations, fundraising plays a crucial role in keeping teams active and accessible. The...
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...
Walk past a youth sports session and you might hear adults talking about results, performance and league tables. But when you ask many girls why they stop playing sport, the answer is rarely about losing. More often, it is because it stopped being fun. For girls...
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...
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...
Sport has always been more than a game. It’s a stage where courage meets opportunity, where barriers are challenged and rewritten. This Black History Month, we’re celebrating extraordinary Black women who have not only excelled in their fields but also opened doors...
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...
After-school clubs are more than just a way to pass the time once the school bell rings. For many girls, these spaces can be transformative - offering opportunities to explore interests, build new skills, and grow in confidence. With growing awareness of the...
When girls step onto a football pitch, they’re not just playing a game - they’re learning skills that will shape the rest of their lives. At Sport Sister, we believe that the lessons picked up in sport reach far beyond the final whistle. Teamwork: learning to...
Staying active has countless benefits for young girls - from boosting confidence and building friendships to improving physical health and supporting mental wellbeing. Yet research shows that many girls reduce or even stop their involvement in sport as they get...
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...
In recent years, the landscape of sport has begun to shift. Where male athletes once dominated headlines and highlight reels, we are now witnessing a powerful emergence of female talent across a wide range of disciplines. From football pitches to Olympic arenas,...
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....
Whether you’re new to fitness or a seasoned gym-goer, finding a space where you feel comfortable, safe and empowered is essential—especially for women. The right gym can make all the difference in staying motivated and reaching your goals, but not all training...
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...
Switching from one sport to another can be both an exciting and daunting experience. Whether you’re looking for a fresh challenge, adapting to a lifestyle change, or recovering from an injury, transitioning to a new sport requires careful planning and a positive...
For decades, women have fought for recognition and equality in the world of sports. Through grit, determination, and unparalleled talent, female athletes have broken barriers, redefined excellence, and inspired future generations. Here, we celebrate some of the...
In today’s fast-paced world, finding time for sports and physical activities can be a challenge, especially for busy parents juggling work, household responsibilities, and children’s schedules. However, incorporating sports into family life is not only possible but...
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...
Choosing the right sport can be an exciting but challenging decision. Whether you're selecting an activity for yourself or helping your child find their perfect match, it's essential to consider various factors to ensure enjoyment, personal growth, and long-term...
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...
Sport can be a transformative experience for young girls, teaching them confidence, teamwork, discipline, and resilience. However, mentoring girls in sport requires a specialised set of skills. It demands understanding, empathy, and a focus on fostering a...
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...
As the festive season approaches, it’s the perfect time to think about meaningful gifts for the women and girls in your life who live and breathe sport. Whether they’re trail runners, yoga fans, football players, or simply enjoy being active, here are thoughtful...
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...
At Sport Sister, one of the most common things we get commissioned to provide is project management services. Project management is both challenging and rewarding, where attention to detail is crucial and success depends on strategic planning, clear communication,...
For girls, engaging in sport can be transformative, challenging societal norms and empowering them to believe in their capabilities. However, not all girls enjoy equal access to these opportunities, particularly those from underrepresented communities. Ensuring...
Organising a local sports tournament can be both a rewarding and challenging experience. Whether you’re planning a small community event or a larger regional competition, creating a well-structured tournament requires careful planning and attention to detail. A...
I've written before about what I do to prepare guests for being on the Sport Sister Podcast, but what you might not realise is that I've also appeared on other podcasts apart from my own, including the WORKJoy Jam podcast and The Vesey™ Total Grassroots Football...
Volunteering in sport is an incredibly rewarding experience that goes beyond just giving back to the community. It provides a chance to be part of something bigger, fostering local talent, supporting youth development, and promoting a healthy, active lifestyle for...
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...
Our first online course 'Engage more women and girls in sport' is now complete and it seems like a good time to write about why I decided to write a course. I've worked in sport for twenty years, as a volunteer, employee and business owner. Most of that time has...
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,...
One of the common complaints I hear from people wanting to get involved in sport is that they don't know where to look to find local opportunities. So if you're looking for a new sporting opportunities, here's a step-by-step guide on where to start your search:...
I've recorded a lot of episodes of the Sport Sister Podcast, and I've also been a guest on other podcasts. It always interests me how different people approach the process of preparing for an episode and the actual recording. The Sport Sister Podcast has a unique...
Are you passionate about sport? Do you dream of turning your love of sport into a fulfilling career? From coaching to sports journalism, physiotherapy to hospitality, the world of sport offers a wide array of exciting career paths depending on your skills and...
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:...
The lack of female coaches is an issue that has been mentioned in a number of my recent podcast recordings. Emma Hayes has been very vocal about how the lack of female coaches is a 'massive issue'. So what can be done about it? I'm going to use this week's blog...
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...
I've mentioned before that we regularly receive compliments on the name Sport Sister, which is great to hear. Someone mentioned to us again this week that they loved the name and it prompted me to decide to have a bit of fun with this week's blog post! So I bring...
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...
It is well known in the world of sport that adolescence is a time when we see a significant drop off in participation rates for girls (https://womeninsport.org/resource/reframing-sport-for-teenage-girls-tackling-teenage-disengagement/). In a world that constantly...
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...
I thought I'd use this week's blog post to talk about where my passion for women's and girls' sport started. My earliest memories of sport are from PE at school, which is probably the case for most people. I always enjoyed PE lessons, mainly because it was chance...
Whether you’re looking to boost your energy, improve your fitness, or simply enjoy moving more, finding an activity you genuinely enjoy is key to making exercise a lasting part of your lifestyle. 1. Reflect on your interests and goals Think about why you want to...
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 -...
The Sport Sister Podcast is always a great place to pick up tips and advice on getting more women and girls into sport. Our guests often talk about the challenges they've faced and how they're overcome them. I love recording them and also listening back again...
Right now, we’re managing a project for a client who is, quite simply, a dream to work with. It’s the kind of collaboration that reminds us why we love what we do at Sport Sister. So, what makes a dream client? Let us break down the five key qualities that make...
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...
Yesterday, while I was scrolling through social media, I came across a post that really struck a chord with me:"You don't have to be good at something to enjoy it." It resonated deeply, especially when I thought about the barriers women and girls often face when it...
We've recently taken on a new project, which provides excellent leadership opportunities for girls. It's got me reflecting on what a powerful tool sport can be in developing leadership skills. I've seen some fantastic ways that sports clubs have done this and I...
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,...
There are so many fantastic resources available for sports clubs at the moment, so I thought I would collate some of my favourites into one post to help you find the right support for you. Let's dive in! 1. Sport England Club Matters provides a huge...
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...
We've just wrapped up Season 2 of the Sport Sister Podcast and I'm already thinking about Season 3 which will be released later this year. I've written previously about my process for identifying guests; generally, it works very well. I'm always open to...
Ok, I might have built a whole business around sport, but I understand that sport isn't for everyone and some people aren't huge fans. So how do you stay active if sport isn't your thing? Here are some quick tips that might help you. 1. Where do you...
March 2020. The first UK lockdown. My phone and social media keep serving me up memories of that time, which already feels so long ago. So much has changed since then and it's made me reflect on the impact the pandemic had on my career. I...
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