UK Coaching: New research by YouGov reveals sharp decline in female coaches in 2024
UK Coaching has published extensive findings revealing significant changes for coaches and participants across the nation, including a worrying decrease in the number of women represented in coaching roles at all levels
Last Updated: 06/01/25 2:13pm
New research has revealed a sharp decline in the number of female coaches across the UK at all levels.
Research conducted by YouGov, on behalf of UK Coaching, shows the percentage of female coaches has dropped from 44 per cent in 2022 to just 38 per cent in 2024, a six per cent decline in two years.
The news comes ahead of a big year in women's sport, including Euro 2025 in Switzerland and the Rugby World Cup in England.
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"Understanding the shifting landscape for our coaches is helping to inform how we can best be there for them at every level," said UK Coaching's head of coaching and policy Heather Douglas.
"We are grateful for the insight, that indicates whilst on a number of matters coaches are receiving increased recognition, opportunity, and support, there is a still long way to go to ensure a representative and equal workforce.
"With close support from our partners, we must double our efforts to proactively embed inclusive and representative working standards. Coaches provide such incredible health and social value for our society - everyone must have the opportunity to contribute to, and benefit from this."
In 2023, FA figures, seen by Sky Sports News, showed there are more than 5,000 female coaches working in England - and almost 4,000 of those are training men's and boy's teams.
But none have risen above the semi-professional level, which remains the case.
In response to the research, UK Coaching has reaffirmed its commitment to support the sector in addressing inequalities and barriers faced by female coaches working at all levels.
UK Coaching has developed its Gender Impact Strategy, designed to create inclusive and diverse coaching environments, promote equity and drive systemic change.
In partnership with UK Sport, UK Coaching has also supported 60 pathway and high-performance female coaches in 2024, with further research initiatives under way to uncover and address the root causes of gender disparities.
A positive from the study confirms an increase in coaches being paid for their work, with the proportion rising from 38 per cent in 2022 to 53 per cent in 2024.
