In the week of International Women’s Day 2026, Women in Sport has teamed up with Ocean Outdoor to highlight the shocking stat that demonstrates how many girls are still missing out on all the benefits and joy sport can bring.
Despite the huge growth of women’s sport and the phenomenal success of our elite sportswomen we’ve witnessed in recent years, Women in Sport’s research continues to show that girls – especially teenage girls – are far more likely than boys to drop out of sport, or not take part at all.
Even the rate at which teenage girls dream of reaching the top in sport is declining. Despite the huge success of the Lionesses and Red Roses last summer, just 23% now say they dream of sporting glory; the lowest level since Women in Sport started tracking this trend in 2020 and a stark contrast with the 53% of boys who dream of being top sportsmen.
Our research has shown that teenage girls don’t feel that they belong in sport. They feel judged, especially by boys. They worry about not having the ‘right’ body. They worry about their safety. The reality of female puberty hits hard, with 70% avoiding sport when they’re on their period. Even girls who consider themselves sporty struggle to stay active amongst the pressures of school work and the fact that there are simply far fewer opportunities for girls to play than boys.
None of this is inevitable, but we won’t begin to see change unless we’re honest about the situation teenage girls are facing. This is why Women in Sport and Ocean Outdoor have come together this IWD.
At no life stage are the potential benefits greater than for teenage girls.
Stephanie Hilborne OBE, CEO of Women in Sport
Stephanie Hilborne OBE, CEO of Women in Sport, said: “At Women in Sport, we know the benefits that playing sport and being active bring to women and girls throughout their lives. At no life stage are the potential benefits greater than for teenage girls. Facing a crisis in their mental health and the unprecedented pressures of growing up in a social media age where misogyny is rife, sport should be an outlet for teenage girls; a space where they can find joy and escape. And yet for too many girls this isn’t the case. We’re grateful to Ocean Outdoor for their support in highlighting this injustice.”
Marie Le Hur, Marketing Director at Ocean Outdoor said: “Women’s sport is a key focus for Ocean Outdoor, as well as an area close to my heart. The shocking stats around women and girls missing out due to confidence and societal assumptions are not ok, so we are keen to do all we can to help level the playing field once and for all. Partnering with the team at Women’s Sport is a brilliant example of that.”
The digital screens can be found at:
BIRMINGHAM
Belgrave Middleway, Haden Circus
Birmingham Road, Jockey Road
Bordesley Middleway (Northbound)
Dartmouth Circus
Dartmouth Middleway (Southbound)
Haden Way
Highgate Middleway
Hockley Hill, Great King Street
Holloway Head
James Watt Queensway
Jockey Road (North Side)
Nechells Parkway
Sutton New Road (West Side)
The Priory Queensway
Warwick Road
Broad Street (North East Bound)
Corporation Street, Bull Street (South East Bound)
LONDON
Battersea Power Station (multiple locations)
Canary Wharf (Cabot Place Mall, Canada Place Mall, Churchill Place, Jubilee Place Mall)
MANCHESTER
Grape Street West, St Johns
New Quay Street, St Johns
Studio Way & South Street, St Johns
The Avenue, Spinningfields (x2)
