Women coaches ‘need clear route’ into male-dominated world

Women need a clear pathway into coaching to succeed in a male-dominated environment, say industry experts.

Only 11% of the 3,225 coaches at London 2012 were women,, external the International Council for Coaching Excellence found.

“I think the lack of female coaches doesn’t inspire us to want to be coaches,” said two-time world taekwondo champion-turned-coach Sarah Stevenson.

Tennis coach Judy Murray said more women decision-makers were needed to “make things happen for other women”.

GB Fed Cup captain Murray – formerly coach to her sons Andy and Jamie – said she was not surprised about the coaching statistic from the London Olympics, given most of the coaches on the women’s tennis tour are men.

“I think it follows that more female coaches will encourage more girls to get into sport,” she added.

Programmes such as UK Sport’s Athlete to Coach scheme aim to fast-track elite athletes into coaching, particularly women.