A new ball game? Action demanded after report exposes lack of women at the top of Scottish sport

Women are massively under-represented in the most senior positions in Scottish sport, research reveals.

The analysis suggests men are now filling 80% of the most senior roles in sports clubs and associations, prompting calls for transformational change to recruit more women in leadership roles and secure a 50/50 gender balance. If nothing changes, the research suggests, it will take almost 25 years for women to be fairly represented.

Experts believe the landmark report must be a clarion call for decisive action. Maureen Mcgonigle, the chief executive of Scottish Women in Sport, which commissioned the survey, said women must fill more senior management and coaching roles, adding: “It is important we get this balance right. It’s not just about women, it’s about society.”

Sue Strachan, pictured, is the first female president of Cricket Scotland in 140 years and believes things are improving but far too slowly: “We are progressing as a sport and many sports are but there is a lot of work to be done.”