Why Investing in Girls’ Sport is an Investment in the Future
Every so often, research comes along that makes you sit up and say, yes, this is exactly what we need to be talking about.
A recent study has found that girls who regularly take part in after-school sport are 50% more likely to go on to secure top jobs later in life. The impact was described as being equivalent to the advantage of holding a university degree.
For me, as someone who is deeply passionate about sport, physical activity, education, and business, this is incredibly exciting. It confirms what many of us have long believed: sport is not just about health and fitness, it’s about building the resilience, confidence, and leadership skills that shape future success.
The Power of Sport Beyond the Classroom
Girls who play sports develop qualities that employers and entrepreneurs value so highly: determination, teamwork, the ability to cope under pressure, and the confidence to try new things. These are skills that textbooks can’t always teach, but a game on the pitch or court brings to life in a very real way.
And yet, we know participation is lower for girls. Barriers such as cost, access to facilities, and even lingering inequalities in opportunity mean that too many miss out.
Encouraging Signs of Change
The good news is that momentum is building.
Local football clubs across the UK are running more girls’ teams than ever before.
Women’s professional football and other sports are seeing unprecedented growth in visibility, sponsorship, and fan support.
The government has pledged £400m for grassroots facilities, and organisations are beginning to wake up to the need for equity in access.
This growing infrastructure and enthusiasm are sparking interest among young people. Girls can now see role models on TV, in stadiums, and in their local community. That visibility matters, it normalises sport as a pathway for everyone, not just boys.
The Ripple Effect: Health, Education, and Careers
Encouraging girls’ participation in sport isn’t just about physical activity. It’s about:
Less screen time, more fresh air.
Stronger mental health and wellbeing.
Building networks and friendships that last.
Direct links to future career success.
The evidence is clear: girls who stay active not only enjoy healthier teenage years but carry forward the mindset and attributes that employers actively seek.
Why This Matters for Education and Business
If we want a future workforce that is confident, adaptable, and resilient, then investing in girls’ sport is not optional; it’s essential.
Schools, local authorities, businesses, and sports organisations should be working together to remove barriers and create opportunities. Whether that’s through sponsorship, facility sharing, or integrating sport more effectively into the school day, the return on investment will be seen in healthier communities, stronger workplaces, and more diverse leadership in the years to come.
Moving Forward
This research makes one thing clear: supporting girls’ sport is supporting our collective future.
As participation rises and investment grows, the benefits will ripple across education, business, and society. It’s something we should all be excited about, and something I’d love to see more actively encouraged at every level.
Because every hour a girl spends playing sport today could be shaping the leader she becomes tomorrow.