Sporting Gender Stereotypes Taking Hold From a Young Age, New Research Reveals

New UK research says gender stereotypes in children’s sports are taking hold early, with girls reporting unequal opportunities and negative peer attitudes. The Youth Sport Trust’s Girls Active survey found that more than half of boys (56%) believe girls’ and boys’ sport are equally important, compared with 39% of girls. The gap appears largest among younger primary pupils: agreement with “some sports are for boys and some are for girls” rose among boys from 35% in 2023/24 to 41% in 2025/26, and among girls from 20% to 25%. The findings point to schools as a key lever to widen access and challenge stereotypes.