Dr Steven Bradbury
Senior Lecturer in Sport, Equality and Diversity, Loughborough University
Lauren Holmes
PhD Doctoral Researcher in Breast Measurement, Loughborough University
Dr Rebecca Grant
Lecturer in Biometrology, Loughborough University
Ece Koseoglu
Content Marketing Officer, Loughborough University
Author
Women and communities of colour are still systemically excluded from many aspects of sport. As the Sports University of the Year*, Loughborough University’s mission is to change this.
Why is gender still a barrier to participation in sport?
“To start running, having the right basics is key — but finding the right shoes or sports bras can be a major barrier to exercising, even before you step outside or hit the gym,” says Dr Rebecca Grant, Lecturer in Biometrology, Loughborough University.
In partnership with the adidas innovation team, experts at the university’s Sports Technology Institute are developing a solution to ensure women and girls can participate in sport with plenty of support, right from the start.
“The fundamental goal and passion for this research is to give more women an opportunity to experience the benefits sport can offer,” explains Lauren Holmes, PhD Doctoral Researcher in Breast Measurement.
At the interface between engineering and performance in sport, new techniques are enabling researchers in multiple ways. These advancements allow them to determine if an individual is wearing the correct size or style of equipment or sportswear. Additionally, they are addressing the barriers that women may face in sports, thereby boosting their participation.
These advancements allow them to determine
if an individual is wearing the correct size
or style of equipment or sportswear.
Why are there so few ethnically diverse coaches?
The career ladder for ethnically diverse coaches is unnecessarily steep, hindered by inequality of opportunity, experiences and outcomes.
Experts at the university have explored these. They revealed limited access to high-level coach education, coupled with inequitable treatment in elite coaching environments and unfair recruitment practices, make it difficult for ethnically diverse coaches to advance their careers.
“The under-representation and experiences of ethnically diverse coaches in football coaching in Europe are also reflected across a range of other sporting and global contexts,”reveals Dr Steven Bradbury, Senior Lecturer in Sport, Equality and Diversity at Loughborough University.
Dr Bradbury’s research has led to policy changes that have significantly enhanced national development programmes. These improvements aim to support ethnically diverse coaches in achieving high-level coaching qualifications and gaining experience coaching at Football Association national teams and professional clubs. These are major successes in the ongoing efforts to promote equity within sport.
Why is equity, diversity and inclusion in sport important?
A more equitable world with fair representation is something we can no longer postpone. Loughborough University research is driving diversity and inclusion in sports — a vital step toward a brighter future.
Join us in pursuit of better at https://www.lboro.ac.uk/world-cant-wait/
*According to Times/Sunday Times Good University Guide and Daily Mail.
