Women coaches face barriers despite gains in women's sports

The number of women coaching in the UK has fallen by 6% in recent years, with a particularly steep 10% drop among volunteer coaches at the grassroots level, according to UK Coaching. This trend persists despite increased visibility and success in women's sports.

Emily Handyside, head of the UK's professional sports coach association, stated that women often "must work twice as hard as a man to be respected and credible." She noted that societal assumptions often lead people to envision a male coach first, creating an environment where women may feel they do not belong.

Beyond perceived sexism, systemic barriers such as bullying, harassment, and unequal opportunities contribute to the decline. New data from the Football Association (FA) indicates that while half of all girls playing organized football feel comfortable confiding in a female coach, only 7% of grassroots football coaches in England are women. Among girls playing organized football, 49% are coached by someone of their own gender, compared to 85% of boys.

While opportunities for women coaches are expanding at the elite level, with eight out of 14 managers in England's top-tier Women's Super League now being women, the situation at grassroots remains challenging. A FIFA quota requiring women's teams to have a female head or assistant coach has aided this shift in top-tier football.

Financial barriers are significant for aspiring coaches. Former England international Fara Williams highlighted the cost of coaching qualifications, such as the Uefa Pro Licence at £14,000 and the C licence at £650. Williams noted that the financial investment often does not align with the potential earnings or opportunities available, making it unfeasible for many to pursue these qualifications, especially those who were not highly paid during their playing careers.

Handyside acknowledged that cost is a major barrier for both men and women, but it is perceived as a greater hurdle for women, especially when they feel they must "work twice as hard" and face potential under-support. "If you are a female looking at that cost and think you will also be overstretched and under supported, that £650 will have more of an impact," she said.

Family responsibilities, including childcare and the demands of pregnancy, also disproportionately affect women's coaching careers. Anita Asante, a former England international, spoke about the difficult choice between dedicating time to coaching and spending time with a young family, a decision many former players face after prioritizing their playing careers.

"What can be unique about a woman's experience is the life stages - such as becoming a parent, as women carry the child," Handyside explained. "It disproportionately affects women. We need job shares, more part-time coaching roles. If you need to step away for a while, you should not have to step away forever."

She called for government intervention, including mandates on coaching metrics and funding tied to retention rates. Handyside also emphasized the need for better support and protection for coaches at the grassroots level, suggesting mechanisms like job-sharing and guarantees for returning after a leave of absence. "All coaches need to have agreements and contracts in place - if you need to step away, you should have guarantees where you can come back. People deserve a level of respect and protection at grassroots level," she stated.

Handyside clarified that the focus is not on blaming men but on addressing the culture and stereotypes within high-performance sport that can create an "all or nothing" environment. The challenges can make the sector feel intimidating, particularly for women entering a field often dominated by men, as seen in the low numbers of women on coaching courses and in leadership positions at grassroots clubs.