New research reveals how barriers to sport and exercise for mums fuel the sports gender gap for kids

In a survey of more than 1000 users, Mumsnet found that seven in ten mums exercise less than they’d like to, with 75% saying a lack of time means they don’t participate in any sports or exercise on a regular basis.   Nearly a quarter of mums (23%) told us they were put off by the related expense, and 43% of mums who don’t take part in sport or exercise regularly say it’s because they are embarrassed or don’t like how they look when exercising

The survey found that daughters of mums who don’t take part in any sport or exercise are more than three times more likely not to exercise themselves on a regular basis, helping to fuel a significant gender gap in children’s participation.  

Parents told us their sons are much more likely to take part in team sports than their daughters, with more than half of boys (52%) participating versus less than a third (32%) of girls.  62% of mums agree that it’s easier for boys to get involved in sports than girls.  

Girls were also more likely to drop out of sports or exercise activities as they approach their teenage years.  44% of girls aged 10 to 12 had dropped out of an activity in the last year, more than double the 21% of boys of the same age.

Mumsnet Founder and CEO Justine Roberts said:

“We know that girls are less likely to take part in sports than boys, and that stereotyping and judgement mean that even when they are involved as children they are more likely to give up sports as they become teenagers.  

“This new research reveals the vital role that mums play in getting - and keeping - their daughters involved.  If we want more girls involved in sports, we need more mums involved in sports.  But Mumsnet users tell us being a mum is a barrier to being active, and we know that mums are often ignored in initiatives and brand campaigns designed to get more women and girls involved in sport.

“It's been brilliant recently to see high profile teams like the Lionesses and the Red Roses develop maternity policies, and professional players return to elite sport after giving birth.  But we also need to make sure that mums who are struggling to fit exercise into a busy life or feel like sport is something that's ‘not for them’ see themselves represented.”

The survey also highlighted the importance of major sporting events and female role models for engaging mums and daughters in sport.  89% of mums agree that female athletes are good role models for their daughters, and 60% say that major sporting events are good motivation for their children to get involved in more sports or exercise.  However, price is a major barrier for families attending live events, with 48% of mums telling us they were put off by the cost.

Mumsnet Founder and CEO Justine Roberts said:

“Female sporting role models are hugely important for getting girls involved in sport, and parents are clear that watching and attending major sporting events is great motivation for getting their daughters involved in more sports and exercise.  We’ve seen recently how the family friendly atmosphere of the Women’s Super League has proved a huge draw for parents and children.  However, with nearly half of mums telling us price is the biggest barrier to attending sporting events, it’s important that competitions like the WSL stay accessible and affordable, even as they continue to grow.”