New report says racism, misogyny and lack of opportunity are driving black girls away from sport
A new report by the charity Women in Sport has cast a harsh spotlight on the inequality faced by young black girls in UK sport, revealing that they are being systematically failed—not just by their schools or clubs, but by a sporting culture that excludes them long before they’ve had a chance to thrive.
According to the report, black girls are more likely than their white peers to dream of becoming elite athletes—twice as likely, in fact. But despite those dreams, they’re also the least likely group to participate in sport regularly. The stark disparity between ambition and opportunity has triggered a call for urgent reform from sports leaders, coaches, and policymakers alike.
A sporting culture that leaves black girls behind
The report paints a troubling picture of how and why black girls become disengaged with sport, particularly in their teenage years. Almost half—48%—say they “fall out of love” with sport by the time they reach their teens. For many, that loss of connection isn’t due to lack of interest or talent. Instead, it’s rooted in racism, misogyny, and inflexible systems that simply don’t meet their needs.
The charity describes the current structure of sport in the UK as “rigid” and “exclusive”, often built around norms and practices that don’t accommodate or even consider the experiences of black girls. That includes everything from the way training is delivered to how talent is scouted and nurtured.
“Too many black girls are being shut out of sport because the system isn’t designed with them in mind,” says Stephanie Hilborne, chief executive of Women in Sport. “Sports providers need to sit up and listen if they are to do right by black girls—and there is little doubt of the benefit to sport from doing so.”
Tessa Sanderson: “We must lift black girls up”
Among those voicing concern is Tessa Sanderson, Olympic gold medallist in javelin and a trailblazer for black British women in sport. Sanderson, who won gold at the 1984 Los Angeles Olympics, said the findings are “truly heartbreaking”.
“We must build a sporting culture that lifts black girls up,” she said, “not one that shuts them out.”
Sanderson’s words hit hard, not only because of her stature as a former elite athlete, but because her own success story is one that today’s young black girls are far less likely to replicate. Despite the popularity of sport among black communities, the pathway to the top remains narrow, and for many, blocked entirely.
A call for urgent action and representation
The report doesn’t just lay out the problems—it offers clear and actionable solutions. Among its key recommendations are:
- Greater representation of black women at every level of sport—from grassroots coaching to boardrooms.
- Mandatory education for all staff, paid or voluntary, on diversity, inclusion, anti-racism, and anti-misogyny.
- Better data collection on participation, broken down by gender and ethnicity, to properly track progress and gaps.
- More community initiatives that bring sport to where black girls live and learn, rather than expecting them to fit into existing systems that may feel unwelcoming or unsafe.
- Flexible talent pathways that recognise different starting points and address the additional challenges faced by black girls, from cultural expectations to financial barriers.
The report also stresses that diversity should never be an afterthought or a tick-box exercise. Instead, inclusion must be embedded into the DNA of sports organisations and their day-to-day practices.
Backed by Britain’s biggest sports bodies
Encouragingly, the research has not fallen on deaf ears. The project was supported by a wide range of national governing bodies, including British Cycling, British Rowing, England Hockey, England Netball, the England and Wales Cricket Board, the Football Association, the Lawn Tennis Association, and the Rugby Football Union.
Their involvement signals an acknowledgment—however overdue—that the system isn’t working for everyone. But whether that support translates into real, structural change remains to be seen.
A national issue with real consequences
This isn’t just a matter of fairness. The underrepresentation and early dropout of black girls in sport has far-reaching consequences—for the individuals affected, and for society as a whole.
At an individual level, missing out on sport means losing access to physical health benefits, social networks, confidence building, and potential career opportunities. Sport is about much more than medals or fitness—it’s about identity, resilience, and belonging. When black girls are pushed out of those spaces, they lose much more than a chance to play.
From a broader perspective, sport loses, too. The lack of diversity among athletes, coaches, and decision-makers not only weakens the richness of competition, but also erodes trust in the fairness of the system. A sport that doesn’t reflect the people it claims to serve is a sport that’s failing its mission.
The time to act is now
The message from Women in Sport is clear: the time for polite discussion is over. What’s needed now is action. Action from schools, sports clubs, NGBs, and government agencies. Action that’s bold, unapologetic, and unrelenting in its aim to create a sporting culture where black girls are seen, heard, and supported.
There’s already an appetite for sport among young black girls. The problem isn’t interest—it’s access, inclusion, and respect. And until those issues are tackled head-on, dreams of becoming elite athletes will remain just that: dreams.
As Stephanie Hilborne puts it, “Black girls deserve better. Sport can be a powerful force for good—but only if it’s a space where everyone belongs.”
If British sport wants to live up to that ideal, it must first reckon with the ways it has let black girls down. Only then can it begin to build something better.
