Abstract
Objectives: Despite the resounding benefits of sport for physical (e.g., fitness), mental (e.g., self-esteem) and social (e.g., belonging) well-being, women are significantly underrepresented in amateur football compared to men (e.g., under 25% of women have ever played on a football team compared to 61% of men). The reasons behind this disparity are not known. Our work aimed to address this gap, exploring the capabilities, opportunities, and motivations for women playing amateur football.
Design: Informed by a relativist ontology, social constructionist epistemology, and the COM-B model, a cross-sectional qualitative inquiry was conducted.
Method: We conducted semi-structured interviews (Mduration = 50 minutes) and a photovoice task with four purposively sampled women who play amateur football. Data were analysed using reflexive thematic analysis.
Results: Three themes were created and presented via composite vignettes providing an authentic account of what it means to be an amateur female footballer. The vignettes detail: the importance of consistent access to football; the need for investment and visibility; and football as a vehicle for female identity.
Conclusions: Our findings demonstrate that amateur women’s football can foster sustained physical, mental, and social well-being. However, there is a need for more sufficient financial (e.g., improved facilities), social (e.g., increased representation) and emotional support (e.g., accommodating individual needs). These insights may allow practitioners to understand the vital role they play in empowering women by helping to instigate the positive changes needed within male-dominated sports. The findings could also guide governing bodies in creating more engaging spaces for female football to flourish.
Content Note Guidance: The exploration of women’s experiences of playing amateur football, through a qualitative inquiry and reflexive thematic analysis about an under-represented population, could emotionally resonate with delegates. However, there is not expected to be any sensitive content discussed or represented in the poster.
Design: Informed by a relativist ontology, social constructionist epistemology, and the COM-B model, a cross-sectional qualitative inquiry was conducted.
Method: We conducted semi-structured interviews (Mduration = 50 minutes) and a photovoice task with four purposively sampled women who play amateur football. Data were analysed using reflexive thematic analysis.
Results: Three themes were created and presented via composite vignettes providing an authentic account of what it means to be an amateur female footballer. The vignettes detail: the importance of consistent access to football; the need for investment and visibility; and football as a vehicle for female identity.
Conclusions: Our findings demonstrate that amateur women’s football can foster sustained physical, mental, and social well-being. However, there is a need for more sufficient financial (e.g., improved facilities), social (e.g., increased representation) and emotional support (e.g., accommodating individual needs). These insights may allow practitioners to understand the vital role they play in empowering women by helping to instigate the positive changes needed within male-dominated sports. The findings could also guide governing bodies in creating more engaging spaces for female football to flourish.
Content Note Guidance: The exploration of women’s experiences of playing amateur football, through a qualitative inquiry and reflexive thematic analysis about an under-represented population, could emotionally resonate with delegates. However, there is not expected to be any sensitive content discussed or represented in the poster.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Publication status | Accepted/In press - 1 Sept 2025 |
| Event | British Psychological Society Division of Sport and Exercise Psychology Annual Conference 2025: Beacons of Hope: Mapping the Value and Direction of Sport, Exercise, and Performance Psychology. - Village Hotel North, Leeds, United Kingdom Duration: 2 Dec 2025 → 3 Dec 2025 https://www.bps.org.uk/event/division-sport-and-exercise-psychology-2025-annual-conference |
Academic conference
| Academic conference | British Psychological Society Division of Sport and Exercise Psychology Annual Conference 2025 |
|---|---|
| Abbreviated title | BPS DSEP 2025 |
| Country/Territory | United Kingdom |
| City | Leeds |
| Period | 2/12/25 → 3/12/25 |
| Internet address |