60% of women stop playing sport by the age of 34, compared to 37% of men, according to E.ON’s first Powering Performance: Women in Sport Survey.
The report found that while female interest in sport is rising at three times the rate of men, participation drops off sharply at key life stages.
The survey highlighted that early experiences matter, with four in 10 people in the UK first introduced to sport at school.
Life stages had a clear impact, with 57% of women saying hormonal and physical changes like puberty, pregnancy and menopause affected their ability to keep playing sport.
81% believed perceptions of women’s sport have improved over the past five years.
The findings also showed a link between sport and career progression, as 94% of women in C-suite roles had played competitive sport.
Scott Somerville, director of external affairs at E.ON UK, said: “This research shows that while attitudes towards women’s sport are improving, too many women are still dropping out far too early.
“That matters not just for sport, but for society and the workforce more broadly.
“We see a clear link between participation in sport and the skills needed for successful careers.”
Somerville added: “Qualities like confidence, resilience, teamwork, strategic thinking and leadership.
“That’s why this report is important to any business that recognises that it can power its performance through female talent.
“Research shows that 94% of women in C-suite roles played competitive sport, highlighting the powerful role it can play in developing future leaders.”
He said: “If we want to deliver on our commitment to make new energy work for everyone, we must have a workforce that is representative of the people we serve.
“We must invest in women and girls who want to embrace sport and all the benefits it provides.
“Through our long-standing Women in Sport programme, I believe we can continue to give E.ON the advantage.”
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