New research commissioned by Sky has revealed that girls in the Spen Valley face one of the widest participation gaps in sport in the UK.

The analysis, conducted by Public First, found that girls in the Spen Valley constituency take part in one hour and 44 minutes less sport per week than boys, compared with a national average gap of 84 minutes, highlighting the need for action to ensure every girl has the chance to get active.

Spen Valley is home to a wide range of grassroots clubs, including Spen Valley Vipers Basketball Club, Liversedge Juniors Football Club, White Rose All Stars JFC, Spenborough and District Athletic Club, and TSV Gymnastics, as well as thriving girls’ cricket, rounders, rugby and netball teams.

But the research shows that many girls still face barriers to taking part.

Spen Valley MP Kim Leadbeater with the Barclays Women's Super League trophy.

placeholder image — Spen Valley MP Kim Leadbeater with the Barclays Women's Super League trophy.

Kim Leadbeater, MP for Spen Valley, said: “We have so many brilliant sports club across Spen Valley providing opportunities for young people to take part in a wide range of activities, but this research from Sky shines a spotlight on a challenge we must tackle head-on.

“We have fantastic local clubs and volunteers working incredibly hard – from girls’ football and cricket to basketball, athletics, gymnastics, rugby and rounders – but too many girls are still missing out.

“I played hockey for over 30 years, so I know first-hand the power of sport to build confidence, friendships, resilience and good physical and mental health. Every girl deserves the same opportunity to enjoy those benefits.

“Our ambition must be simple: every girl, wherever she lives, should have the same chance as every boy to take part in sport.

“By working with schools, clubs, local authorities and community organisations to break down the barriers girls face – whether that’s access to pitches, safety concerns, or lack of facilities – we can make sure that where a girl lives no longer determines whether she gets to play.”

Dana Strong, Sky group CEO, said: “Every girl should have the opportunity to experience the confidence, friendships and sense of belonging that sport can bring.

“Closing the gap means tackling inequalities in access and investment, starting in publicly funded settings where opportunity should be equal for every girl.

“Now is the moment to turn evidence into action and deliver lasting change for girls across the country.”