by Clarissa Hartley

The Women’s Sport Foundation claims that women and girls who participate in sports attain better self-esteem, a positive body image, and minimize their chances of depression. Beyond physical benefits, engaging in team sports paves the way for character development, enhancing qualities like teamwork, leadership, and loyalty. This can even contribute to career progression, with studies indicating that women in high-ranking corporate roles have previously played team sports. This article explores the advantages of team sports and the different options available to you.

Reaping the Rewards of Team Dynamics

Statistics by Sport England demonstrate that across nearly all age groups, men are more likely to participate in sports than women. The decline for women appears to begin at school, however opportunities for females in sports are improving with changing societal perspectives on gender roles. Industry professionals emphasize the importance of positive experiences in competitive sports during childhood to encourage active participation in adulthood.

Overcoming Barriers in Women’s Team Sports

The reality is that women’s lives in adulthood are usually occupied with responsibilities, leaving them with smaller amounts of leisure time as compared to men. This creates a difficulty in dedicating time to team training. Furthermore, team sports have only recently begun to cater more inclusively for women, and some sports still remain male-dominated in terms of decision-making and administration.

The growth of women’s rugby, now almost 30% of the global playing population, serves as a sign of the times, indicating a progressive shift towards gender equality. However, the disparities in funding and access to facilities show that there is still some way to go.

Joining a Sports Team

For those eager to delve into team sports, rest assured that joining has never been easier. The variety of sports on offer is vast, ranging from football or rugby to the less physically demanding sports like rounders. If you’re feeling apprehensive about joining, remember that improvements in skills can come quickly with consistent practice and belief in yourself. Remember to prioritize your body and mitigate potential injuries by adopting a slow and steady approach to increase your fitness if you have been largely inactive in recent years.

Choosing the Right Team Sport

Netball, hockey, rugby, and football are some of the more popular and accessible team sports you can consider. Each sport offers unique benefits and caters to different fitness levels, so exploration and trials will help you find what you enjoy most.

In the journey of female empowerment through sports, it is vital to remember that age is not a barrier; it’s never too late to start. Through sports, you will not only stay in shape and maintain good health, but also relish the joy of teamwork, and the thrill of achieving a collective goal.

Why not explore the world of team sports, where you can satisfy your competitive side, while enjoying community support and camaraderie, today?

team sports, female empowerment, benefits of sports, physical health, mental health, netball, hockey, rugby, football, Women’s Sport Foundation, Sport England, character building, career progression, confidence in women