Girls in the UK are missing out on 280 million hours of sport every year compared to boys - the equivalent of 52 full football matches for every girl annually.
A new 40-page report, Game Changing: How Sport Gives Every Girl a Better Chance, commissioned by Sky and produced by Public First, sets out the scale of the problem. Closing this gap could unlock a £6.5 billion boost in economic and health benefits by 2035.
This isn't just about fitness. It's about opportunity, confidence, and creating a future where football is truly for everyone.
The Barriers Girls Face
The report reveals a stark reality:
On the ground, we see these findings play out. Coaching a girls' U15 team for three seasons, we've faced second-priority pitch allocations, fixtures without referees, kit designed for boys or men that doesn't fit properly, and facilities that simply don't match the needs of the players.
These challenges echo the data, and underline why change is so critical.
The Power of Participation
The report makes one thing clear: sport is not just an equaliser, it's an accelerator of success.
When girls lose access to sport, the loss is national.
Football's Role in the Change
Football, with its scale and visibility, has the power to lead.
These changes aren't about token gestures - they're about shifts that make football truly inclusive.
Why This Matters to Us
At tactico.ai, we know that team management tools alone won't close the participation gap. But they can help remove friction for coaches and clubs, giving them back the time and clarity to focus on what matters: building inclusive, supportive environments where every player belongs.
For us, this is personal. Week in, week out, we see the challenges and the commitment in girls' football. And we believe digital tools can play a role in levelling the playing field.
From the playground to the Premier League, every girl deserves her place on the pitch. Closing the participation gap isn't just a social good - it's a national game changer.
📖 Dive deeper: Download the full 40-page report, *Game Changing: How Sport Gives Every Girl a Better Chance