LTA partners with Women In Sport to launch new research on the experiences of black girls in sport
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The LTA is one of eight national governing bodies joining forces with Women in Sport, alongside leading research agency Humankind, to launch an innovative study exploring the needs and experiences of black British girls in sport.
British Cycling, British Rowing, England Hockey, England Netball, the England and Wales Cricket Board, the Football Association and the Rugby Football Union will also be involved in the study.
The LTA and Women in Sport have worked together for a number of years to share research and expertise on female participation in sport, research which has formed the basis for the Prime Video LTA Youth Girls programme and the LTA’s new online training course for tennis and padel coaches – ‘Coaching Females: Princess or Athlete?’ which examines the psychological and social factors influencing girls’ participation in tennis and provides practical advice for coaches to create tennis sessions that build confidence and competence for girls.
The new research will explore the challenges, needs and aspirations of black teenage girls in the UK and examine socio-cultural factors that shape their relationship with physical activity. The findings from this research will be used to drive meaningful change across the sports sector to tackle the inequalities in sport and physical activity for black British teenage girls.
Current data reveals:
- Many black British girls feel that sport lacks relevance to their wider lives (31% vs. 24% for Asian British girls).
- Black British girls are the most likely to lack access to outdoor spaces for exercise or play, with 5% reporting no access, compared to just 2% of white girls.
- More than half (53%) of black teenage girls were sporty in primary school but have since dropped out of sport.
- 26% of black British girls report the lowest life satisfaction, significantly lower than their white British and Asian peers.
Although only 35% of black British girls meet the recommended physical activity levels, they report the most positive attitudes towards sport of all ethnic groups, enjoying it more and having more confidence.
Women in Sport’s Dream Deficit research has revealed that 62% of black British girls dream of reaching the top in sport compared to 24% of their White British counterparts, but that black girls are among the least active groups.
Alexis Simms, LTA EDI Development Partner said, "As we continue our mission to open up tennis to everyone, it's crucial not to overlook Black girls, who are often left behind as they face unique and additional barriers to other girls.
"This research is so important because it will enable the LTA to enhance its engagement with black girls, just as previous research with Women in Sport has transformed training and programmes for girls. There are many inspirational black female role models in tennis, and whether black girls want to play socially or excel and reach the pinnacle of the sport, we firmly believe they belong in tennis.”
Women in Sport CEO, Stephanie Hilborne OBE said, “It is brilliant that Black British girls have a passion for sport and a belief in their ability to succeed. It is simply wrong that so few Black girls are getting the chance to take part and we can’t turn a blind eye. We were delighted by the response of our sports partners when we sought their support for this research.
"We know they are committed to listening to the voices of Black girls to help to drive meaningful change in the system. Sport can offer hope to teenage girls, a group whose happiness is spiralling downwards. Black British girls are seeking sporting joy more than any other girls, so we must make sure they are able to pursue their dreams, both in sport and in their wider lives.”
The qualitative research will be followed by a nationally representative survey of girls and boys, with the findings scheduled to be published in Spring 2025.
