Time Magazine Features Women’s Sports Foundation Data on Youth Sports Impact

Key Takeaways

• Girls’ high school sports participation increased by over 3 million opportunities since Title IX’s 1972 passage
• 71% of women who played youth sports and later held formal leadership roles reached manager, director, president, or C-suite positions
• Women’s representation in collegiate head coaching declined from 90% in 1971 to 42% today
• 90% of women with disabilities are not active in sport, with boys consistently participating at higher rates
• Over 1,200 athletes with NCAA backgrounds from 125 countries competed in the 2024 Paris Olympics

Women’s Sports Foundation CEO Danette Leighton, whose organization is the first sports NGO to receive consultative status with the United Nations Economic and Social Council, detailed research findings in a recent Time magazine article that documents measurable connections between youth sports participation and later professional achievement, while identifying participation gaps in coaching leadership and adaptive programming.

Title IX Created Measurable Growth in Girls’ Sports Participation

Since Title IX’s implementation in 1972, girls’ high school sports opportunities have grown by more than 3 million participants. At the collegiate level, women now represent 44% of all NCAA athletes, compared to 15% before Title IX took effect.

Women’s Sports Foundation CEO Danette Leighton describes how Title IX turned America’s federal school systems into the world’s “most prolific training ground.” The 2024 Paris Olympics included over 1,200 athletes from 125 countries with NCAA experience.

Women’s Sports Foundation research shows that sport participation connects to stronger academic performance, higher graduation rates, and greater aspirations for advanced education.

Female Leadership Participation Data Shows Career Connections

According to Women’s Sports Foundation estimates, 71% of women who played youth sports and later held formal leadership roles rose to positions such as manager, director, president, or C-suite executive.

However, women’s representation in collegiate head coaching has declined during the same period that female athlete participation increased. Women held 90% of head coaching positions in 1971 but hold just 42% today.

Participation Gaps Exist in Disability Sports Programming

Women’s Sports Foundation research shows that 90% of women with disabilities are not active in sport. Additionally, boys with disabilities consistently participate at higher rates than girls across categories.

The foundation’s research indicates that sport participation builds independence, confidence and community for athletes with disabilities, but notes that investment in adaptive programs and pathways remain limited.

Current Investment Trends Focus on Women’s Sports

More brands are investing in women’s sports than previously, from sponsoring leagues to funding grassroots programs. The Women’s Sports Foundation states that lasting change requires long-term, cross-sector approaches that link investment to measurable equality goals.

The foundation emphasizes that progress requires collaboration between governments, brands, and nonprofits to build systems that deliver sustained impact.

Research Documents Health and Professional Benefits

The Women’s Sports Foundation positions sport beyond entertainment, noting it strengthens leadership skills, reduces chronic disease, and supports mental well-being. The research describes sport as teaching teamwork, resilience and leadership skills.

Sports participation shows connections to health, societal, and economic benefits, according to the foundation’s analysis.

Data Points to Continued Focus Areas

The Women’s Sports Foundation data shows documented growth in female sports participation alongside persistent gaps in coaching leadership and disability sports access. The foundation calls for policies ensuring equal access to sport, elevating women in leadership roles, and funding inclusive programs.

Research findings connect youth sports participation to academic performance and later professional achievement, with 71% of female youth sports participants who reached leadership roles attaining executive positions.

via: Time

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