Netball boss wants more cash for girls

A £300,000 cash boost for women’s sport is good but not good enough, according to an award-winning leader.

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon set up the Sporting Equality Fund to increase women’s engagement in sport.

Claire Nelson, Netball Scotland’s chief executive, said the money would be helpful – but much more was needed.

Friday was Active Girls Day, aimed at encouraging more young women to become active.

Netball, football and gymnastics remain the most popular sports for girls.

Claire said: “Female sport is on the rise but there’s not enough media coverage, which means there is less commercial investment.

“The £300,000 is good. It was shared out in £25,000 sums for projects like ours.

“It’s great because it gets us into schools, engaging with young women across the country but we need more, it’s not enough.”

In July, Claire was one of just nine women highlighted in the Leaders Under 40 Awards – a global search for talented leaders in sport.

She said: “In primary schools girls have the highest participation rate, but there’s a drop-off after that age group.

“I think a lot of that is self-esteem.

“Young women are scared to get sweaty, they’re body conscious and they lack confidence.

“We want to change that perception.”