Sportscape Education: Need for more sports coaching apprentices to close the gender gap as we celebrate International Women’s Day

As the sports industry celebrates International Women's Day, the spotlight turns to the urgent need for greater female representation in sports coaching.

Recent research from UK Coaching reveals a concerning 6% decline in the number of female coaches since 2022, highlighting the widening gender gap in the profession.

Addressing this issue requires proactive measures – and investing in sports coaching apprenticeships could be a vital part of the solution.

Apprenticeships provide an accessible route into the coaching profession, offering on-the-job training, mentorship, and qualifications.

For women looking to enter the sector, apprenticeships can remove barriers such as financial constraints and lack of experience, while offering tailored support to help them thrive.

However, there is still work to be done to encourage more women to pursue these opportunities.

At Sportscape Education, we recognise the importance of apprenticeships in shaping the future of sports coaching.

By providing inclusive training programmes and dedicated female mentors, we aim to create an environment where women feel supported and empowered to forge successful careers in coaching.

Increasing the number of female apprentices not only enhances gender diversity but also enriches the experience of young athletes.

Female coaches serve as positive role models, offering diverse perspectives that help shape well-rounded, inclusive sporting environments.

On this International Women's Day, the call to action is clear: more must be done to break down barriers and ensure women are equally represented in sports coaching.

By championing sports coaching apprenticeships, we can take a crucial step towards closing the gender gap and building a more inclusive future for the industry.