{"id":39857,"date":"2020-12-04T14:49:52","date_gmt":"2020-12-04T14:49:52","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/thevoiceoflondon.co.uk\/?p=39857"},"modified":"2020-12-04T14:49:52","modified_gmt":"2020-12-04T14:49:52","slug":"lockdown-impacted-everyone-but-womens-sport-paid-a-higher-price","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/blog.westminster.ac.uk\/thevoiceoflondon\/lockdown-impacted-everyone-but-womens-sport-paid-a-higher-price\/","title":{"rendered":"Lockdown impacted everyone, but women’s sport paid a higher price"},"content":{"rendered":"

The disparity within sport in terms of gender is not a new topic. Over recent years there has been a huge effort to close that gap. Former FA chairman Greg Clarke\u2019s recent comments and the closure of women\u2019s academy football during the second lockdown highlights just how far away we are from true equality: When times are tough, it is women\u2019s sport that is more expendable.<\/strong><\/p>\n

The coronavirus pandemic has been a unique challenge for every team around the country, no matter how large, but it has been of particular detriment to women\u2019s sport. Over the last few years, women\u2019s football has seen massive growth in terms of audience and finances. There is severe danger this growth might come undone.<\/p>\n

–\u00a0Arsenal lead the way as fans return to Emirates Stadium<\/a><\/strong>
\n–\u00a0Where you can attend sports events as lockdown ends<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n

The effects of any backwards steps are not simply a question of finance, but a moral one too. What effect will this have on the next generation of female sports stars? What damage will this do to gender equality?<\/p>\n

Anna\u00a0Kessel, Women’s Sports Editor at the Telegraph states: “It is the grossest of inequalities to label boys’ football as “elite” and girls’ football as dispensable.”<\/strong><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

Throughout recent months the restart dates of men\u2019s major sport have come prior to the women\u2019s equivalents. The Tyrrells Premier 15s restarted in October, whereas the Gallagher Premiership resumed in August. The same is seen in international cricket. The England\u2019s women team first returned in September whilst the men\u2019s team first played again in July.<\/p>\n

After the controversial decision to finish the Women\u2019s Super League (WSL) on a points per game basis they restarted their season in September, whilst the Premier League reconvened in June to complete the 2019-20 season.<\/p>\n

The earlier restart dates for men\u2019s sport isn\u2019t all that shows inequality. During the second lockdown academy football for boys has been allowed to continue whereas for girls it hasn\u2019t. This is because, for the most part, their academies do not yet meet the required governmental elite protocols (processes to ensure utmost accordance with COVID-19 precautions and guidelines).<\/p>\n

Kelly Simmons, director of women\u2019s football at The FA told the BBC: \u201cI understand the anger and frustration, but it\u2019s about the human and financial resources to meet elite protocols.\u201d<\/p>\n

The different approach to men\u2019s and women\u2019s sport is a question of funding, something that female sport stars have had to become accustomed to.<\/p>\n

\n

I've used some coach time to write my week notes, including some maybe unpopular opinions on whether the women's FA cup games should be played this weekend. https:\/\/t.co\/aXrnPYiWCb<\/a><\/p>\n

— Maggie Murphy (@MaggieMrphy) November 8, 2020<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n