Community sport failing women and girls in traditional male-dominated sports

New research has revealed the shocking number of community sporting clubs that fail to create a welcome and inclusive environment for girls and women - and how it can be fixed.

Players Emma Anderson, Grace Farrant and Rebecca Micallef feel included and welcomed at West Brunswick Footy Club. Picture: Jake Nowakowski

Many community sports clubs are still failing to make girls and women feel welcome and included in traditional male-dominated sports, new research has revealed.

Clubs could start by providing equal equipment, access and better facilities, including separate change rooms, the study by Victoria and Federation universities found.

Outdated club cultures often made women feel isolated and unwelcome, the report, led by Professors Rochelle Eime and Hans Westerbeek, said.

Providing equal equipment, access and better facilities, including separate change rooms would improve issues facing women and girls the study by Victoria and Federation universities found. Picture: Jay Town

Women interviewed for the research said they were taunted, exposed to inappropriate comments, mocked for their sport choice, criticised over their skills or had their physical appearance ridiculed.

While some players felt forced to quit the sport they loved, many said the outdated behaviour motivated them to improve gender inclusion in their sport.

“The immediate challenge for organisations and participants is to call out inappropriate behaviours and actions when they happen, and to find ways to create all-inclusive club environments,” Professor Eime said.

One club proud of its inclusion and equality approach is the West Brunswick Amateur Football Club.

Bulleen Templestowe Amateur Football Club and West Brunswick Amateur Football Club

Spokeswoman and former president Beth Cook said everyone was welcomed for the club’s three men’s and three women’s teams.

“If someone wants to be a part of our community, we can find a spot for them,’’ Ms Cook said.

“We are one club and everyone is your teammate not matter which team you actually play for.’’

The club separates its Parkville change rooms on game day and hopes to have separate facilities and bathrooms created through the Melbourne City Council works program.

“Men and women players can also train together and do their warm-ups together,’’ Ms Cook said.

“Having women in positions of leadership is also really important so that women’s voices are heard and welcomed. So that means being involved behind the scenes and having a say in the running of the club.’’

Women interviewed for the research said they were taunted, exposed to inappropriate comments and mocked for their sport choice. Picture: Getty Images

The universities’ research was funded by the state’s Office for Women in Sport and Recreation, and aimed to gain an understanding of women and girls’ participation and

experiences in male-dominated sport.

Many clubs are still adapting to having female teams and competitions.

Professor Eime said a new generation of committee members with different attitudes were rising to the culture change.

“Male club members who offer themselves up as champions of change and call out inappropriate behaviour and language may well be the most powerful force towards this inclusive change,” she said.