Case Study: Occupational Segregation - Women Sports Foundation

Only 34% of all sports coaches are women, but this drops to just 20% at the elite end of sport. This second phase of funding seeks to recruit women across London who are either new to the sports and leisure sector, or who are currently involved and wish to progress to obtaining higher formal coaching awards. Over 200 women will have access this programme during its 2 year duration.

The project, funded by the European Social Fund and the Learning and Skills Council, is being delivered in conjunction with a number of partner organisations and it is through these organisations and the project management team that the women will be supported in their progression into formalised training and employment. The aim is both to increase the number of women involved in sports coaching, leadership and management in London and to widen the socio-economic background and diversity of the women involved.

In addition to the training the women recruited to the project receive mentoring support as well as personalised learning plans, access to child care provision, and travel costs, so that as many potential barriers as possible to their participation are removed.

Currently 10 coaches have now completed their training and are coaching or continuing training. 90% of coaches recruited have attended either a group or one to one induction with the project team. Over 70% of the level 3 course places have been allocated (the most challenging and longest courses to complete). 175 expressions of interest have been received and over 60 of these women and girls have been formally accepted onto the programme.

The project team have also made good progress in contacting local employers and establishing networks for referral of trainees. The organisation is updating an intranet site for coaches recruited to the programme where they can learn about current coaching (both paid and voluntary) opportunities and vacancies