Black Girls and Sport: A Breakup Story
Published
Black girls love sport. 60% dream of becoming elite athletes compared to 33% of White British girls. Sport is valued more highly by Black girls than any other group, for the joy and freedom if offers.
But Black girls are the least active group of girls in England. Sport is currently failing Black girls. This is not right, it is not acceptable. We are calling on everyone who can make a difference to read our recommendations for change.
“I love sport, but I always feel like I have to fit into it, rather than it fitting into me.” — Georgia, 14
Download the report
What’s in the report?
- Black girls and sport: Exploring the ‘dream-reality’ gap and why sport is losing Black girls
- The wider lives of Black teenage girls: Understanding how expectations for academic success, home responsibilities, minoritisation and adultification bias, along with fears around safety shape her world
- The challenges that push Black girls out of sport: From limited, inflexible sporting options, to constant scrutiny about her body, hair or attitude. This section reveals the barriers that make sport feel like another space where Black girls feel they can’t fully belong.
-
39 %
of Black girls often hear or experience racist comments or stereotypes in sport
-
48 %
of Black girls who used to love sport drop out in their teenage years
We need your help to #KeepBlackGirlsPlaying
- SHARE: Post the Dear Sport video and message on social media to amplify Black girls’ voices. Share the research report with colleagues.
- LEARN: Read the full report to understand what Black girls face in sport
- ACT: Use our recommendations to become an ally to Black girls at your club, school or in your community
For the full list of recommendations, download the full report below.
Download the report
Supported by...
Thank you to Rosa, 3 Chillies, Wave Studios, Archie Presley, Hils Macdonald and Adanola for supporting this campaign.
