Why we must raise a generation of mini allies for girls

Women in Sport research shows that girls and women face negative attitudes from some boys and men, whether conscious or unconscious. Women in Sport’s Head of Engagement, Sarah Bellew, says that the finding underlines why it is important to help boys to become allies, not opponents

Women’s sport has been catapulted into the limelight over recent years and the ‘Lionesses effect’ has spurred increased investment, media coverage and support for women’s sport, even beyond the realms of football. You’d be forgiven then for thinking that it is job done. At the risk of sounding like a broken record, we are not there yet. Recently I had the chance to chat to a group of year 6 girls at a primary school about their experiences of sport and PE. Despite their initial enthusiasm a troubling reality emerged. One girl, a Chloe Kelly fan, voiced her frustration: “I’d love to score more, but the boys never pass to me. They don’t think girls can hit the back of the net.” Her words dripping with disappointment. Each girl in that room had a story to tell – a story of sidelined dreams and dashed hopes. A story that demands immediate action.

“My uncle said that I have to be ten times better than girls.”

The above is an actual quote taken from our latest research which reveals that boys as young as five have learnt that sport is not for girls. It found boys are surrounded by expectations that to be masculine they must be good at sport, strong and dominant.

In contrast, our previous research showed that girls are mostly pushed towards aesthetic activities and away from contact and team sports. Even before school starts the development of girls’ sports skills have usually been held back.

Even before school starts the development of girls’ sports skills have usually been held back

These divergent stereotypes then limit opportunities to build mutual respect between boys and girls in sport. Boys can be reluctant to include girls in sport, being tougher on them when they make mistakes, and doubting their abilities, especially in football. Ultimately, they don’t think girls can help them win. Girls’ self-belief is undermined, and their confidence is gradually eroded.

Ultimately girls are made to feel they don’t belong in sport. But there is hope for change.

Male allyship matters

Part of the problem is that stereotyping is invisible. Without meaning to we unknowingly pass down the same messages to our children, generation after generation. We can all be more aware of the consequences of stereotyping and boys and men, whether dads, uncles, brothers or cousins, can also make a real difference to how girls feel about sport. Their words and actions can have a lasting impact. With their support girls are much more likely to feel they belong.

So, whether you’re a coach, teacher or parent you can play part in breaking down negative attitudes to girls in sport, try to: l Recognise and challenge limiting stereotypes l Understand and explain the value of sport for boys and girls l Help boys to become allies not opponents l Create gender-equal sporting environments l Celebrate girls and women in sport

Together we can increase young children’s understanding, empathy and acceptance and create a more respectful, level playing field in sport. We know that boys, and the men they will become, can be agents of change for girls and women in sport, and in life.