MP:We need to break sports barriers

Politician Gavin Newlands has delivered a conference speech calling on further action to be taken to increase sporting opportunities for women and young girls.

The SNP MP for Paisley and Renfrewshire North chaired a seminar at a Westminster Media Forum.

His speech highlighted a number of barriers stopping females from participating in sports and taking up leadership roles.

Mr Newlands, the SNP Westminster spokesman for sport, highlighted statistics that show girls aged between 11 and 18 exercise less regularly and for less time than boys, and that only 14 per cent of CEO positions across Scotland’s sporting national governing bodies are held by women.

He said: “From the grassroots to the professional level and in boardrooms, it’s clear that a glass ceiling exists for too many women and young girls to become involved and progress in sport.

“According to Women in Sport, 78 per cent of 14 to 16-year-old girls understand that physical activity is important, yet only 28 per cent enjoy taking part.

“Becoming active at an early stage is crucial and we need to find a way to ensure girls want to take part in physical activity as much as boys. It’s also extremely concerning that so few women and serving as CEOs.

“These are the influential positions which can affect the greatest level of change.

“If we want to create an accessible sporting environment at every level, then we must open the boardrooms for women who have earned the right to serve in leadership roles.”