Survey Finds Vast Majority Of Female Coaches Experience Sexism, Says Kick It Out

A recent survey conducted by Kick It Out, a renowned charity focused on equality and inclusion in football, has unveiled concerning statistics about the prevalence of sexism and misogyny faced by women coaches across various levels of the sport. The survey, which encompassed 115 female coaches from the professional sphere to grassroots, revealed that a staggering 80% have encountered discrimination in their working environment.

Delving deeper into the findings, 70% of the participants reported experiencing sexism during coaching courses. Alarmingly, out of those who faced such discrimination, 71% did not feel at ease to report their experiences to the course leader. Despite these challenges, 60% of respondents still believe coaching is an inclusive space. However, the impact of sexism and misogyny is significant, with 54% of those who faced such issues considering leaving their coaching roles.

The survey further highlighted that more than half (57%) of the respondents felt they were treated differently because of their gender. Additionally, 55% felt their opinions or suggestions were disregarded, and 48% were questioned about their knowledge of the game's rules.

Hollie Varney, Kick It Out's chief operating officer and a coach herself, shared insights into the daily challenges women coaches face. "At a time when women's football is experiencing significant growth, it's disheartening to see that sexism remains a barrier," Varney stated. She emphasized how such negative experiences could lead to exhaustion and disillusionment among passionate coaches.

The source of sexism and misogyny varied, with 56% of those who experienced it pointing to coaching staff from their own or opposing clubs. Meanwhile, 40% reported facing sexism from parents of children they coached. Varney recounted instances of micro-aggressions and outright aggressive behavior directed at female coaches, underscoring the need for a cultural shift within football.

In response to the rising reports of sexism and misogyny, which saw a 400% increase in the 2022-23 season compared to the previous one, Kick It Out has taken proactive steps. The charity has introduced grassroots coach educators aimed at equipping coaches with skills to address unconscious bias. Furthermore, clubs and other organizations have access to resources on Kick It Out's The Academy platform to help combat sexism and misogyny effectively.

The findings from Kick It Out's survey shed light on the persistent issue of sexism and misogyny within football coaching. As the sport continues to grow, particularly women's football, addressing these challenges becomes imperative for fostering an inclusive and respectful environment for all coaches.