07:00, 09 February 2026
Words by Cheyanne Bryan, Editorial and Campaign Marketing Executive, London
New research from UK charity Women in Sport reveals an opportunity to transform coaching in the UK, making it safer, fairer, and more sustainable for women. The full report, Reimagining Sport Coaching: Designing a System That Works for Women, is available here: Women in Sport.
Surveying 2,000 coaches and senior leaders, the study highlights that women in coaching face unique challenges, including bullying and harassment, especially in male-dominated environments. Across all coaching roles, 30% of women report experiencing bullying, compared with 15% of men. Women also report higher levels of harassment (21% vs 12%) and aggression (22% vs 19%). Importantly, these insights point to clear areas for action to improve the coaching environment.
Bullying and harassment often come from fellow coaches, reflecting systemic power imbalances. Women are also more likely to hold insecure contracts and have limited access to feedback or career progression opportunities.
However, the research shows that these challenges can be addressed through practical reforms, creating an environment where all coaches can thrive.
Stephanie Hilborne OBE, CEO of Women in Sport, said: “We have a huge opportunity to transform coaching culture at a time of growth for women’s sport.
By embedding anti-misogyny policies, providing structured support, and valuing women’s leadership, we can create a system where women feel protected, supported, and able to succeed.”
Chris Boardman, Chair of Sport England, added: “This research is a clear call to action. By improving safety, visibility, and leadership opportunities for women coaches, we can ensure sport is welcoming, fair, and inspiring for everyone.”
The report highlights solutions that organisations can adopt today, including:
With sport experiencing unprecedented growth, these reforms offer a chance to retain talented women coaches, strengthen leadership pipelines, and build a coaching workforce that reflects the diversity and ambition of modern sport.
Coaching doesn’t just shape athletes—it shapes the culture of sport itself. By investing in women, the sector can ensure a safer, fairer, and more sustainable future for all coaches.
For more advice on how to stop misogyny in sport, visit or contact Women in Sport.
At Smiley Movement, we like to elevate the work of charities across the world. Here are three charities whose causes align with the themes in this article.
Women’s Sports Foundation. This US nonprofit was founded to unlock the potential of girls and women through sport, helping to remove barriers and build pathways into leadership and coaching in athletics. Learn more here.
Women in Sport. A UK charity dedicated to transforming sport for the benefit of every woman and girl, Women in Sport champions equality and inclusion across all levels — from grassroots participation to coaching and leadership roles. Discover their work here.
Guardian Girls International. This international nonprofit uses sport as a platform to advance gender equality and empower girls and women globally. Its programmes and advocacy through athletics and sport‑related empowerment connect with themes of inclusion, leadership, and equitable opportunities for women around the world. Find out more here.
This positive news article aligns with the UN SDG Gender Equality.
