FA, Team GB and England Netball back new project to make the UK a world leader in women's sport

The Football Association, Team GB and England Netball are among the major sports organisations backing a new initiative that aims to make the UK a world leader in women's and girls' sport, and close the gaps that remain between men and women across the industry.

The Equal Sport Project was launched on 10 November with the support of the government, BBC Sport reported.

Why it is needed

Women's sport has grown hugely in recent years, but research by Sporting Insights found that fewer than 1% of women working in sport believe gender equality has been achieved across the industry, and more than half believe they are paid less than men for doing the same job.

The project has identified five areas where better leadership, investment and action would make the biggest difference. They include equal access to sport for girls at school, equal relevance, reach and revenue for women's sport, and governance structures redesigned for equality.

Pledges already made

Several organisations have already signed up with specific commitments. Aquatics GB and the FA are prioritising female leadership programmes. Sport England and UK Sport have committed to working with the bodies they fund to make sure governance is designed "by men and women, for men and women".

The Youth Sport Trust has committed to supporting schools to recognise and challenge stereotypes, and to develop male allies who will champion gender equality in PE, school sport and physical activity.

Government backing

The sports minister, Stephanie Peacock, said: "We have seen progress in women and girls' sport, but there is still a long way to go."

She pointed to the government's support for hosting the 2027 Tour de France Femmes Grand Départ, the bid to host the 2035 FIFA Women's World Cup, £400 million for grassroots sports facilities, and doubling priority access to football pitches for women and girls.

"We will work closely with the Equal Sport Project and encourage all organisations to get involved," she said. "Together we can make the UK a world leader in women and girls' sport."

What it could mean in Birmingham

Birmingham has a strong story to tell in women's sport. The city hosted netball and women's cricket at the 2022 Commonwealth Games, Aston Villa Women play in the Women's Super League, and the city's clubs and leisure centres have seen girls' teams grow in recent years.

The challenge the project highlights is turning that growth into equal opportunity everywhere, from PE lessons in primary schools to boardrooms and coaching jobs. For girls in Birmingham picking up a ball for the first time, the aim is simple: that the chances open to them are the same as those open to their brothers.

Organisations in sport can find out how to make a pledge through the Equal Sport Project, and the government says it wants every part of the sector to get involved.