Gender

Gender, often mediated by socio-cultural expectations and experiences, can have a significant impact on attitudes to and participation in sport and physical activity, even from very young ages. ^{9, 21, 26, 29, 127, 128}

In general, boys and young men are more likely to enjoy and participate in sport, to feel competent to participate (physically literate), and to have a wider variety of opportunities to participate in sport and active recreation. ^{17, 23, 42, 58, 129}

• In 2024, parents/guardians reported that not liking sport or physical activity was the primary barrier for 28% of girls aged 9-11, and 31% of those aged 12-14 years. Interestingly, while still a strong barrier for young people aged 15-17 (18%) and 18-24 (11%), who were surveyed directly, other barriers including not having enough time or being too lazy were more prominent. ¹³⁰
• Data from the United Kingdom (UK) 2023-24 Active Lives Survey for Children shows that boys (43%) were more likely to have three or more positive attitudes towards sport and physical activity compared to girls (25%) and those who were gender diverse or chose not to say (27%). Positive attitudes towards enjoyment, competence, confidence and knowledge or understanding are key components of physical literacy. ⁴²
• The Youth Sports Trust in the UK, surveyed 15,000 young people in 2024. They found that overall, boys were more likely to enjoy taking part in physical education (PE) (87% compared to 77% of girls) and being physically activity (87% compared to 66% of girls). Nearly two thirds of girls (62%) wanted to be more active in school, but key barriers were not being confident, having their period, and being watched by others. The number of girls enjoying PE dropped throughout school life: 86% of girls age 7 to 8 compared to 56% of girls aged 14 to 15. 46% of girls aged 14-15 reported a lack of confidence stops them being more active at school compared with 26% of girls aged 7-8. Only 1 in 4 girls aged 11-13 feel confident in their PE kit, compared to 65% aged 7-8. 58% of girls want more PE kit options compared to just 29% of boys. ¹⁷
• In 2022, Sport Wales found that a higher percentage of girls said, ‘I would do more sport if’ they were ‘more confident’ (31% compared to 17% of boys); better at sports (23% compared to 17%); or someone went with me (31% compared to 15%). Girls were also more likely to report lower enjoyment of PE, extracurricular sport, and community sport. ³⁴ A 2018 study of children aged 2-5 years in the Perth metropolitan region found that boys did more physical activity than girls, with twice as many boys than girls meeting the daily physical activity recommendations, and boys completing an average of 20 minutes more physical activity per day than girls. ¹²⁸

There is currently limited research or data available for non-binary young people, but it appears that, they are less likely to enjoy and participate regularly in sport than male youth. ^{42, 129}

Single-sex competitions, activities, or PE classes (especially for females).

The Australian Sex Discrimination Act 1984, opens in a new tab specifically states that children aged under 12 years cannot be excluded on the basis of sex or gender identity from participating in competitive sporting activity. It also states that people of one gender aged 12 and over can be excluded from participating in competitive sporting activities in which the strength, stamina, and physique of competitors is relevant.

Mixed gender sports and activities, especially those explicitly designed to promote integration and equality between participants, can have positive benefits. ⁶⁵ Benefits can include increased respect for sporting capabilities, developing mixed gender friendships, and challenging assumptions about gender. Women and girls who participate in mixed sport have reported being more confident and that they enjoy the challenge and opportunity to develop their skills and experience. ^{13, 65}

However, in many mixed gender sport environments female participants are often expected to demonstrate a similar level of competence and competitive attitude to male players to be accepted and enjoy the experience. ⁶⁵ This can be intimidating and exclusionary for many. ³⁴

Single-sex PE and sport activities can therefore be beneficial, especially in adolescent years. ¹³

• Research from the UK based Women in Sport group has found that 24% of girls surveyed wanted more single-sex opportunities, compared to 6% of boys. They also highlight the importance of giving more girls a positive start to their sport and physical activity journeys, including surrounding girls with the expectation that they will succeed; building girls’ skills early so there’s a level playing field; not ‘dumbing it down’ for girls; and providing more opportunities for young girls in and out of school. ^{21, 26}
• In 2024, the Youth Sport Trust (also in the UK) found that 43% of girls would prefer a female teacher/coach, while 53% 'didn't mind' the teacher’s gender, and 4% would prefer a male teacher/coach (4%). In comparison, 32% of boys would prefer a male teacher, 63% didn't mind, and 4% would prefer a female teacher. ¹⁷
• Another Youth Sport Trust report found that girls from Asian backgrounds felt that having a female coach, preferably a teacher or experienced adult rather than another student, was an important element of creating the right environment for participation. The girls also highlighted how a private, single-sex space would encourage girls to participate, as they often felt that boys were judging or mocking their abilities and skills. ²⁹

In female dominated sports, such as netball or pony club, it is also worth considering the perspective of male participants, and what might attract and retain them. In 2020, Pony Club Australia surveyed male participants, with over half of respondents being aged 11-20 years. They found that while most rated their experiences positively, they tended to have more fun in faster disciplines, and when there were enough other male participants. Some also reported wanting more gender-neutral prizes “not pink glittery” things. ¹³¹

Creating safe and welcoming environments that allow young people – regardless of gender and socio-cultural expectations – to develop their confidence and competence in sport and physical activity will help ensure the everyone can participate, enjoy, and benefit from sport throughout their lives. ^{29, 42, 52, 60}

Impact of menstruation/periods

Menstruation, or ‘periods’, can vary widely, but girls will generally have their first period between the ages of 11 and 14 years. ¹³²

A significant body of research shows that menstruation (having their period), including physiological symptoms (such as pain, tiredness, bloating) and self-consciousness (especially fear of leaking) can impact sport participation. ^{17, 23, 26}

• A joint project by Victoria University and Share the Dignity published in 2025, surveyed 330 menstruating people across the country, around 25% of whom were aged between 15 and 24 years. 68% of all respondents skipped sport due to their period; 90% worried about leaking; and 72% were anxious about their period when playing sport. ¹³³
• A 2022 survey funded by Sport England found that around 7 in 10 girls surveyed avoided being active when on their period, due to pain (73%), fear of leakage (62%), tiredness (52%), and self-consciousness (45%). ²³

Resources and reading