Latest news with #teamSports
Yahoo
02-07-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Just seven per cent of women in the UK play team sports
Just seven per cent of women in the UK play team sports (Image: Dave Phillips/PinPep) Just seven per cent of women play team sports – with the average person quitting by the time they reach 21. And the majority – seven out of 10 – believe it's easier for their male counterparts to continue playing as they get older. Advertisement And while 47 per cent played team sports regularly up to the age of 25, the number participating falls dramatically into single figures with women in their 30s, 40s and 50s. Pregnancy (44 per cent), issues relating to menstruation and menopause (44 per cent) and men having more groups to join (39 per cent) are cited as the reasons why. Polling of 3,000 women who have played sports, one of the largest recent UK studies examining female participation in sport, found the biggest barrier to participating in team sports was busy schedules (36 per cent). Work commitments (31 per cent) and family responsibilities (30 per cent) were other key reasons cited. Advertisement A quarter (25 per cent) blamed childcare needs, while almost one in five (19 per cent) said social anxiety held them back. More than three-quarters of women (77 per cent) admitted there are weeks in which they struggle to fit in any exercise at all. The research was commissioned by AXA UK as part of its 'Keep on Kicking' campaign, which highlights the challenges women face to pursue team sports at different life stages. The campaign celebrates AXA's sponsorship of this summer's UEFA Women's Euro 2025 in Switzerland, and the insurer is also supporting women to get involved in team sports at grass roots level with sponsorship of Women's Walking Football across the UK. Advertisement The report highlights the reasons why women step away from team sports at different life stages and the challenges they face to re-engaging. It also contains personal stories from former Liverpool FC and England player Tash Dowie, England Paralympic basketball player Amy Conroy and Antarctic explorer Cat Burford. Steph Leese, who joined a Women's Walking Football team in Liverpool sponsored by AXA UK last year, also featured, describing how the sport has transformed her physical and mental health. Tara Foley, CEO of AXA UK & Ireland, said: 'It is concerning that so few women over 18 are currently taking part in team sports and that many feel obstacles such as childcare, health concerns and social anxiety are holding them back. Advertisement 'Being part of a team, whether in business or on the sports field, helps to develop so many valuable skills, as well as building resilience and forging trusted relationships. 'We hope AXA's sponsorship of this summer's Women's EURO and support for Women's Walking Football will shine a light on the benefit of getting involved in a team sport, at whatever stage of life you are at, can bring.' Tash Dowie, who retired from the professional game in 2023, said it was disappointing so few women in the UK were involved in team sport. 'Team sport has played such a huge role in my life and the benefits for mental and physical health can't be under-estimated. It's sad to see from this research that so few women feel able to play past their teens because other commitments or physical concerns get in the way. Advertisement 'Providing opportunities for women to re-engage with team sports at whatever age, such as Women's Walking Football, is a really positive step towards helping them stay healthy and enjoy the camaraderie that being part of a team brings.' The research found women who exercise do so three times a week, including twice with others. And of those who play team sport, 84 per cent wish they could find the time to play more frequently. On average, just under 90 minutes is spent taking part in team sports per week – with football (61 per cent), basketball (35 per cent) and netball (32 per cent) the most popular team games. Advertisement The women polled said traditional gender roles meant team sport was aimed more at men than women (38 per cent) and issues such as childcare concerns (38 per cent) impacted women disproportionately. There is a strong desire for women to stay fit, as 95 per cent said it was important for them to exercise in later life, the OnePoll research found. And of those women polled who have children, 94 per cent said it was important to set a positive example to their children with regards to exercise. Liverpool FC ambassador Tash Dowie said: 'I did an event the other day at Anfield where there were lot of women who were probably 50 or 60 plus, playing walking football. Some had experienced cancer or strokes and this was almost like their second life. Advertisement 'That was really nice to see because I was lucky that I was from a generation where I got the opportunity to be a professional football player. 'I think it's really powerful and important that the older generation get that opportunity to have a go now and to still play the game. 'They tell me how important it is for them mentally as well, it's saved a lot of people's lives being able to play the game, socially in that environment of being around people.' AXA's Tara Foley added: 'In our own business, we provide support for colleagues at challenging times of their life such as when they're going through the menopause or facing mental health issues. Advertisement 'Being part of a supportive team can make a real difference to people's lives and help them grow. 'As a health insurance provider, we know the long-term benefits of staying fit and healthy – both mentally and physically. 'Making time to take part in team sports can be a real game-changer, as many of those who've taken up Women's Walking Football have discovered.' TOP 10 FEMALE TEAM SPORTS
The Sun
01-07-2025
- Sport
- The Sun
Number of women in team sports dramatically falls when players hit their 30s, survey finds
THE NUMBERS of women taking part in team sports drops sharply once they reach their 30s, according to a major new survey. Just seven per cent of women play team sports – with the average person quitting by the time they reach 21. 5 5 5 5 And the majority – seven out of 10 – believe it's easier for their male counterparts to continue playing as they get older. And while 47 per cent played team sports regularly up to the age of 25, the number participating falls dramatically into single figures with women in their 30s, 40s and 50s. Pregnancy (44 per cent), issues relating to menstruation and menopause (44 per cent) and men having more groups to join (39 per cent) are cited as the reasons why. Polling of 3,000 women who have played sports, one of the largest recent UK studies examining female participation in sport, found the biggest barrier to participating in team sports was busy schedules (36 per cent). Work commitments (31 per cent) and family responsibilities (30 per cent) were other key reasons cited. A quarter (25 per cent) blamed childcare needs, while almost one in five (19 per cent) said social anxiety held them back. More than three-quarters of women (77 per cent) admitted there are weeks in which they struggle to fit in any exercise at all. The research was commissioned by AXA UK as part of its 'Keep on Kicking' campaign, which highlights the challenges women face to pursue team sports at different life stages. The campaign celebrates AXA's sponsorship of this summer's UEFA Women's Euro 2025 in Switzerland, and the insurer is also supporting women to get involved in team sports at grass roots level with sponsorship of Women's Walking Football across the UK. The report highlights the reasons why women step away from team sports at different life stages and the challenges they face to re-engaging. It also contains personal stories from former Liverpool FC and England player Tash Dowie, England Paralympic basketball player Amy Conroy and Antarctic explorer Cat Burford. Steph Leese, who joined a Women's Walking Football team in Liverpool sponsored by AXA UK last year, also featured, describing how the sport has transformed her physical and mental health. Tara Foley, CEO of AXA UK & Ireland, said: 'It is concerning that so few women over 18 are currently taking part in team sports and that many feel obstacles such as childcare, health concerns and social anxiety are holding them back. 'Being part of a team, whether in business or on the sports field, helps to develop so many valuable skills, as well as building resilience and forging trusted relationships. 'We hope AXA's sponsorship of this summer's Women's EURO and support for Women's Walking Football will shine a light on the benefit of getting involved in a team sport, at whatever stage of life you are at, can bring.' Tash Dowie, who retired from the professional game in 2023, said it was disappointing so few women in the UK were involved in team sport. 'Team sport has played such a huge role in my life and the benefits for mental and physical health can't be under-estimated. It's sad to see from this research that so few women feel able to play past their teens because other commitments or physical concerns get in the way. 'Providing opportunities for women to re-engage with team sports at whatever age, such as Women's Walking Football, is a really positive step towards helping them stay healthy and enjoy the camaraderie that being part of a team brings.' The research found women who exercise do so three times a week, including twice with others. And of those who play team sport, 84 per cent wish they could find the time to play more frequently. On average, just under 90 minutes is spent taking part in team sports per week – with football (61 per cent), basketball (35 per cent) and netball (32 per cent) the most popular team games. The women polled said traditional gender roles meant team sport was aimed more at men than women (38 per cent) and issues such as childcare concerns (38 per cent) impacted women disproportionately. There is a strong desire for women to stay fit, as 95 per cent said it was important for them to exercise in later life, the OnePoll research found. And of those women polled who have children, 94 per cent said it was important to set a positive example to their children with regards to exercise. Liverpool FC ambassador Tash Dowie said: 'I did an event the other day at Anfield where there were lot of women who were probably 50 or 60 plus, playing walking football. "Some had experienced cancer or strokes and this was almost like their second life. 'That was really nice to see because I was lucky that I was from a generation where I got the opportunity to be a professional football player. 'I think it's really powerful and important that the older generation get that opportunity to have a go now and to still play the game. 'They tell me how important it is for them mentally as well, it's saved a lot of people's lives being able to play the game, socially in that environment of being around people.' AXA's Tara Foley added: 'In our own business, we provide support for colleagues at challenging times of their life such as when they're going through the menopause or facing mental health issues. 'Being part of a supportive team can make a real difference to people's lives and help them grow. 'As a health insurance provider, we know the long-term benefits of staying fit and healthy – both mentally and physically. 'Making time to take part in team sports can be a real game-changer, as many of those who've taken up Women's Walking Football have discovered.' 5
Daily Mail
06-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Rachael Finch takes tennis lessons into her own hands with son Dominic - after she was slammed for saying her children do not play team sports
Rachael Finch decided to take tennis training into her own hands on Thursday as she was spotted on the court with her six-year-old son Dominic. The model, 36, who shares Dominic and daughter Violet, eight, with Michael Miziner, sparked controversy when she said she wouldn't put her kids in team sports. Adding that she and her husband are all the 'team' their children need, the mother-of-three appears to be staying true to her word as she played a few rounds in Sydney. The brunette beauty was all smiles as she got in some bonding time with her son on the court, dressing for the warm weather in a red sweater and black tights. Flaunting her natural beauty without a lick of makeup in sight, Rachael pulled her dark tresses back into a tight ponytail as she served the ball to Dominic. From A-list scandals and red carpet mishaps to exclusive pictures and viral moments, subscribe to the DailyMail's new showbiz newsletter to stay in the loop. Likewise, her son also had a big smile on his face as he enjoyed playing tennis with his famous mother, dressed in all black for the outing. Rachael copped backlash from her followers late last month when she revealed the reason she won't put her kids in any team sports. She uploaded a video to Instagram, in which her husband and daughter could be seen training at the tennis courts—but it was the caption which raised eyebrows. 'People ask, "Why don't your kids play team sports?"' the mother-of-two wrote over the video. 'We are their team,' she added. Rachael went on to explain the controversial statement, saying she always wanted to be on her family's team no matter what. 'I'll carry the water bottles. I'll chop up the oranges. I don't care what I do—just so long as I get to be on this team,' she wrote. Rachael said she hopes her children learn lessons in 'resilience, accountability, confidence, winning and losing with grace, emotional balance, and that what you put in is what you get out'. However, even if they didn't, the proud mum said 'being there every single time they turn their head to the sideline' was a dream for both her and her husband. 'The fact they're out learning more about themselves in a challenging yet supportive environment while enjoying themselves is what counts,' she said. Adding the decision to play team sports was one which depended on the child, she posed the question to other parents. 'Do you think it's better if kids play team or individual sports?' she wrote. Rachael's followers poured into the comments section with their takes on the parenting view, with many calling out her decision. 'My kids do play team sports, that doesn't mean my husband and I aren't their team,' one person sourly wrote. Another chimed in: 'I think children need to be playing with other children and not just around their parents all the time. That's just my opinion.' 'Definitely team sports, and without parents around or on sidelines is crucial to self empowerment and development,' another person added. Other parents reflected on the question, saying a little bit of both was the best course of action, so long as it's what the children want to do. 'I think playing any sport is great! Team or individual. As the kids get older they will tell you what they want to continue with or if they want to change sports,' one person expressed. Another fan said: 'As long as the kids are doing what they choose to do and love it that's all that matters.' 'My kids play both team and individual sports. There's no better or worse or right or wrong. Just what works for your child and family,' another weighed in.
Daily Mail
21-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Rachael Finch backtracks after revealing her kids don't play any team sports following backlash over her parenting approach: 'Turns out tennis is a team sport'
Rachael Finch has done a swift backpedal after copping backlash for suggesting her children don't play team sports - insisting this week that tennis counts as one. The former Miss Universe Australia, 36, sparked debate after sharing an Instagram clip showing her husband Michael Miziner and daughter Violet training on the tennis court. 'People ask, 'Why don't your kids play team sports?' she wrote over the video, before adding: 'We are their team.' She went on to explain that she prefers to support her children – Violet, 9, and Dominic, 6 – directly, writing: 'I'll carry the water bottles. I'll chop up the oranges. I don't care what I do - just so long as I get to be on this team.' But the remark didn't sit well with many of her followers, who quickly slammed the approach as isolating and overly intense. From A-list scandals and red carpet mishaps to exclusive pictures and viral moments, subscribe to the DailyMail's new showbiz newsletter to stay in the loop. 'My kids do play team sports, that doesn't mean my husband and I aren't their team,' one critic fired back. Another added: 'I think children need to be playing with other children and not just around their parents all the time. That's just my opinion.' Rachael appeared unfazed with the comments, sharing one follower's negative remark to her Stories with the casual caption: 'Okie dokie.' The model mum then returned to Instagram to clarify her stance and explain how her kids do participate in team environments. 'Why don't the kids play team sport? Well, they play team sport,' she said in a new video posted to her Stories. 'Turns out in tennis you have doubles and, um, you also have squads where the kids get together and they have two or three times a week they're in a squad with five, six, seven other kids and they play against each other and with each other.' She continued: 'They go to the camps and they do… yeah, there's a huge community focus. Even their opponents become their friends.' Rachael also pointed out that her daughter Violet often trains with the same girls she ends up facing in competitions – creating what she described as a strong support network. 'Every time there's a tournament, you travel together. We spend time together. It's very much community-focused,' she said. 'Every sport at the end of the day is a team sport because no successful athlete gets there by themselves. There's a team of coaches, there's a team of other competitors and partners and trainers – and the family unit.' The clarification comes months after the couple made headlines for sharing footage of their children undergoing intense training drills, prompting further criticism from concerned followers. In a November post, Rachael and Michael uploaded a montage of Violet and Dominic performing box jumps, squats and advanced tennis drills – by day and night. 'They may or may not play at Wimbledon,' she captioned the video. 'But they will learn a lot about themselves and what they're capable of in the process.' She added: 'It's our job to figure out ways to teach them drive, passion, self-respect and work ethic… how to show up, even when you don't feel like it.' But while Rachael maintains the rigorous routine is teaching life lessons, others weren't so convinced – with one unimpressed follower writing: 'Really horrible to watch. Unfollowing.'
