
Summer of female sporting events inspires millions of women to get back into the game
A bumper summer of female sporting events has inspired millions of women to get back into sports after years of fear and judgement. Encouraged by competitions such as the FIFA Women’s World Cup, the Women’s Ashes and Wimbledon, 59 per cent of women have started training with an old sports team again. A poll of 2,000 females aged 18-65 found 46 per cent feel motivated to try sport after seeing the empowerment and determination showed by these professional female sporting stars. It also emerged 31 per cent of women over 45 played sports when they were younger but dropped out as a teenager, with being ‘too sweaty’ and not feeling ‘good enough’ to take part among the top reasons. But now, many are dusting off their boots, digging out their racquets and getting back to action. Sure UK, a supporter of women’s sports, commissioned the research after launching the Breaking Limits: Girls Can Football Series, which aims to provide funding and training to give young people access to sport coaches, communities and safe spaces. Former Lionesses goalkeeper Carly Telford, who is partnering on the campaign, said: “Too many women have missed out on years of enjoyment, fitness and socialising due to feeling unable to continue with team sports and it’s about time they feel inspired to get back into the sports they enjoy without fear. “There’s still a long way to go and so much more that we need to do to promote women’s sport in all corners of the world. “To normalise women succeeding on pitches, courts and fields should be everyone’s goal, and both consumers and organisations have roles to play to make this a reality.” The study found there is more to do though, with 77 per cent of women believing that society needs to promote female sporting role models. While 36 per cent worried about being treated differently to men if they were to participate in sports, leaving 64 per cent put off trying sports altogether as a result. But putting worries aside, the future of women in sport looks bright, with the most popular sports they’d like to be involved in named as football (37 per cent), netball (21 per cent) and athletics (15 per cent). A quarter voted netball as the most inclusive sport for women, followed by athletics (15 per cent), and football (15 per cent). And half believe women’s football will eventually be as popular as men’s football – if not more. For 74 per cent, playing as part of a team has worked wonders for their mental health, while 51 per cent said sports has had a positive influence on their life overall. As 46 per cent of those polled, via OnePoll, feel motivated to try a sport after seeing the empowerment and determination showed by the sporting stars. ‘Movement has the power to transform lives’ Alice Duffill, from Sure UK&I, said: “Movement has the power to transform lives. “Everyone should be able to experience all the incredible physical, mental and social benefits movement bring - whoever you are, however you move. “But in our increasingly unequal societies, social, economic, and physical barriers stand in the way. “Inspiring women and girls to play sport through promoting and raising awareness professional athletes who look like them is key in breaking down some of those barriers. “That’s why we’re committed to growing women’s sports as we know the importance of shining a light on professional women athletes to help inspire today’s and tomorrow’s girls”. Read More Study links ultra-processed food and drink to risk of depression in women Study finds women only give themselves 30 minutes of self-care a week Women respond to viral TikTok prompt asking about ‘female version’ of male Roman Empire obsession The cure for smelly garlic breath? Turns out, it’s simpler than you think Teenager’s death after drinking too much water was ‘preventable’ Could bats hold the secret to beating Covid and cancer?
2023-09-27 20:22

Biden launches first anti-Trump ad, hitting Trump's labor record ahead of Michigan visit
President Joe Biden's campaign is out with a new ad slamming Donald Trump's record with autoworkers ahead of Trump's visit to the battleground state of Michigan, underscoring how critical working-class voters will be in the upcoming presidential election, as the country gears up for a potential Trump-Biden rematch in 2024.
2023-09-27 18:48

Trump skips debate to woo blue-collar workers in Michigan
By Nathan Layne Donald Trump will speak to blue-collar workers outside Detroit on Wednesday, seeking to capitalize politically
2023-09-27 18:27

Gaby Roslin says she’ll ‘never apologise’ for saying she’s happy post-divorce
TV presenter Gaby Roslin has said she will “never apologise” for telling people she’s happy, after she experienced moments of grief following her divorce. The former The Big Breakfast presenter and author, 59, was married to musician Colin Peel for almost a decade. They share a daughter together. “Not all my life has been joyful. My mum died young. I’ve been through divorce and lost some of my dearest friends,” she told Prima magazine. “You go through those things and you realise that life is precious and, without sounding trite, I will never apologise for saying I’m happy.” Roslin’s mother died just over 20 years ago, around the time she was beginning a new job. The TV star said that it feels like she and her husband of 18 years, David Osman, “fit together”. She shares another daughter with Osman. “We still really appreciate what we have,” Roslin, who presents a show on BBC Radio London along with sints on BBC Radio 2’s The Zoe Ball Breakfast Show and BBC One’s Morning Live, said. “The things that makes it work is that we’re not in competition with each other: We’re very, very different.” Speaking about how “life is crappy for a lot of people”, she added: “I’m someone who has always been very positive and full of laughter, but I’m aware that it’s not something everyone can hold on to. “There are coping mechanisms that have helped me, and I know they can help others, too.” Roslin revealed that some of her personal coping mechanisms have included giving up alcohol five years ago, and going for walks. “There’s a lot of ageism out there,” she said. “It’s no secret in my industry, but it’s everywhere. You can’t do this or that if you’re a certain age. No! I’m lucky that I’ve carried on working, but I have friends who have experienced it. “I know an actor who, at 55, was going for the part of someone older than her and was told that she was too old. They cast a 40-year-old. That’s so wrong.” Roslin is preparing to release her new guided journal, Spread The Joy: Simple Practical Ways To Make Your Everyday Life Brighter, which focuses on stories, illustrations, anecdotes and tips and tricks. The full interview is available now in Prima’s November issue in supermarkets and online at Mags Direct. Additional reporting by Press Association. Read More Sophie Turner and Joe Jonas reach agreement after child custody row Who is Laura Gallacher, Russell Brand’s wife of six years? Everything we know about Katy Perry and Russell Brand’s short-lived marriage Why is my teenager sleeping so much? Sounds that can help you fall asleep better Holidays to the homeland could help children hold onto family’s original language
2023-09-27 18:26

Trump liable for fraud, judge finds in New York civil case
Donald Trump exaggerated his net worth and asset values to get better loans, a New York judge rules.
2023-09-27 16:45

Ukraine war: Cannabis in focus for veterans treatment
Ukraine is battling a colossal PTSD crisis and wants to try anything to help - including cannabis.
2023-09-27 12:50

Trump can get away with skipping a debate but can't evade legal consequences
Donald Trump will skip another Republican presidential debate on Wednesday night because no one will punish him for not being there.
2023-09-27 12:16

House Republicans vow to continue impeachment inquiry even if government shuts down
House Republicans are planning to plow ahead with their impeachment inquiry into President Joe Biden in the event of a government shutdown, though a lapse in federal funding could present logistical challenges to their investigative work.
2023-09-27 11:24

The Asian Games' golden ticket: Esports stars target medal success -- and a military exemption
Gaming has achieved an unprecedented milestone by being selected as an official medal sport for the Hangzhou Asian Games in the form of esports, but participating in the competition holds significant importance -- and possibly life-changing implications -- for some players.
2023-09-27 10:17

Steelers legends accuse Patriots of cheating in AFC Championship blowout
Pittsburgh Steelers Jerome Bettis and Ben Roethlisberger let their imaginations run wild in frivolous accusations against Bill Belichick and the New England Patriots.
2023-09-27 07:49

UN slams France's decision to ban French athletes' hijabs at 2024 Olympics
The United Nations' human rights office has criticized the French government for banning French athletes from wearing the hijab at the Paris Olympics next year.
2023-09-27 07:45

Biden dog Commander bites another Secret Service agent
This is the 11th time Commander has bitten a guard at the White House or the Biden family home.
2023-09-27 07:24