A recent report by the Women and Equalities Committee has highlighted serious concerns regarding anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries among female athletes, notably in football, and the systemic gender inequalities within sports and exercise research. High-profile cases such as England football captain Leah Williamson and her teammate Beth Mead have underscored the issue. Findings reveal that women are significantly more prone to ACL injuries, up to eight times more likely than men, with hormonal factors being a contributing risk.

In light of these findings, the Committee has criticized the slow and inconsistent response to the prevalence of such injuries in women’s sports, asserting that a similar issue among male athletes might have seen a more rapid and coordinated approach. Key points raised include the stark lack of football boots and sportswear designed specifically for females, leading to calls for an increase in the production and availability of gender-specific sports equipment in the UK. The inadequacy of sports gear for women not only affects professional athletes but also has repercussions at grassroots levels, contributing to decreased enjoyment and participation in physical education among teenage girls due to body image concerns and lack of suitable PE attire.

To address these challenges, the Committee has put forward several recommendations:

  • Establishment of a government taskforce dedicated to women’s sport-related health issues to develop long-term strategies for enhancing sportswomen’s health and performance.

  • Urging UEFA to continue its efforts through the women’s health expert panel focusing on ACL injury prevention in women’s football.

  • Reviewing school guidance on PE attire to ensure it meets the needs of all girls.

  • Mandating specific qualifications for coaches on female health and physiology.

  • Implementing better support systems for pregnant women and mothers in sports.

Furthermore, the report calls for an update in government strategies to eliminate barriers faced by women in midlife and emphasizes the need for a collaborative effort among stakeholders, including UK Sport, women’s health experts, and sportswear brands, to tackle the highlighted gender inequalities in sports.

The Women and Equalities Committee’s findings not only shine a spotlight on the disparities faced by women in sports but also call for immediate action from the Department of Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) and the Department for Education (DfE) to foster equality. It is proposed that the establishment of a women’s sport board could drive forward the initiatives needed to address issues like ACL injuries and promote best practices across the board, aiming for an egalitarian approach where access to and enjoyment of sports are equally afforded to all, regardless of gender.