Yesterday morning, WSFF's Head of Policy and External Affairs, Tim Woodhouse, gave evidence to the Culture, Media and Sport Select Committee Inquiry into women's sport.
Following submission of detailed written evidence to the Committee in September, WSFF expanded on a number of critical issues facing women's sport in the UK. Focussing on methods and opportunities to improve sport and physical activity for women and girls in the UK, WSFF reiterated the call for a cross-government strategy on increasing participation amongst women and girls.
WSFF also highlighted the importance of raising the level of gender diversity in the Boardroom of NGBs and called on commercial bodies to strongly consider the value of women's sport from a sponsorship and investment perspective.
In a wide-ranging discussion which also took in the impact of PE and school sport on girls' attitudes towards sport, WSFF pointed to existing research detailing drop-out figures and the inspirational factor of major sporting events, as well as outlining forthcoming research projects on how sports can appeal to different types of women.
Commenting on his appearance at the Inquiry, Tim Woodhouse said:
"WSFF is grateful to the Select Committee for inviting us to give evidence during this morning's session. We were pleased to be offered the opportunity to outline some of the critical challenges and opportunities present in women's sport at what remains a vital time for the sector.
"The Committee brought some excellent questions and insight to the hearing and I hope that WSFF's research and expertise in women's sport has set the scene and raised issues that will be addressed throughout the remainder of the Inquiry.
"We look forward to the Committee's final report and hope that it reflects our belief that women's sport will be best-served by an approach that takes into account the interdependency of media coverage, female leadership and cultural change in driving change and a stronger environment for women's sport and active participation."
The Inquiry will now hear from other witnesses with a final report and recommendations anticipated in 2014. WSFF will continue to make itself available to the Select Committee for any further evidence or research sought.
