Gender gap continues to grow in kids sport as females participate at half the rate of males

MALES are taking part in popular sports at twice the rate of females and the gender gap widens as they age, a new analysis of Victorian club membership data shows.

Cohen and Xaiver Wallace, 5 and Atticus Dowling, 6 at the Holy Trinity Cricket Club in Thornbury Picture: Sarah Matray

MALES are taking part in popular sports at twice the rate of females and the gender gap widens as they age, a new analysis of Victorian club membership data shows.

Participation rates for both sexes plummet when children hit adolescence, raising concerns they are missing out on the vital health, social and ­developmental benefits.

The gender divide was uncovered in the VicHealth, Sport and Recreation Victoria and Federation and Victoria universities analysis of club membership databases for 11 sports. Overall, the male participation rate was 20 per cent compared with 10.5 per cent of females.

Report author Associate Professor Rochelle Eime, from Federation and Victoria universities, said women might still be physically active as they aged, but tended to gravitate toward gym classes or solo pursuits, such as running.

“Traditionally, cricket, AFL and soccer were male-only sports, but there are beginning to be a lot more opportunities for females in club-based sports, so perhaps the gender gap will lessen over time,” she said.

The research was unique because it was a comprehensive census of club sport capturing all participants aged four to 100 in Victoria.

Overall, the population participation rate for Victorians aged five to 14 was high, with almost 70 per cent taking part.

“In the country, where there are less recreational opportunities, the rate is more than 80 per cent because sport is the social glue,” Assoc Prof Eime said.

By the age of 15, the number playing sports halved.

Assoc Prof Eime said sport was important for more than physical benefits. “I see that with my own children. They learn about committing to a team, supporting their teammates and they are learning to win but more importantly, they are learning to lose, and this is important for developing resilient adolescents.”

Assoc Prof Eime said to get more females playing and staying in sport, clubs might need to focus on developing social and flexible programs for all skill levels.