**Majority of Women Step Away from Team Sports by Age 21 Despite Recognised Benefits, Study Finds**
A significant drop in female participation in team sports has come to light in the UK, with new research revealing that most women stop playing by the age of 21. This sharp decline continues into adulthood, despite the well-documented mental and physical advantages associated with team activities.
The comprehensive study, involving 3,000 British women who previously took part in sport, highlighted a concerning trend: only 7% were still involved in team sports. The findings expose not only the extent of women’s withdrawal but also underline widespread perceptions around gender in sport — with seven in ten participants agreeing that men find it easier to continue playing team sports as they age.
Several influential factors have been cited as reasons behind this mass exodus from team sport. Chief among them are the demands of busy schedules, increasing work commitments, and the pressure of family responsibilities. Notably, three-quarters of respondents confessed there were even weeks when fitting in any form of exercise proved nearly impossible. This points towards persistent challenges many women face in balancing personal wellbeing with day-to-day obligations.
The research has been published as part of the ‘Keep on Kicking’ campaign by AXA UK, which aims to raise awareness about the difficulties women encounter when trying to remain active in team environments throughout different phases of their lives. This initiative also marks AXA’s partnership with this summer’s UEFA Women’s Euro 2025 in Switzerland, as well as its ongoing support for Women’s Walking Football in Britain.
Tara Foley, Chief Executive of AXA UK & Ireland, expressed concern at the low rate of women over 18 engaging in team sports. She pointed out the array of skills team activities can foster, extending beyond physical health to encompass resilience, confidence, and trusted social connections. Foley stated, “We hope AXA’s sponsorship and programmes will showcase the profound benefits of team sport participation, no matter a woman’s age. The hope is that these efforts ignite renewed interest and commitment.”
A sense of disappointment at the findings is shared by Tash Dowie, Liverpool FC ambassador and former professional footballer, who noted that team sport had significantly shaped her own life. She recently attended a walking football event at Anfield for women aged 50 and above, many of whom were overcoming serious health challenges such as cancer and strokes.
Dowie remarked on the transformative power of these opportunities: “For some women, it’s almost a second chance at life. They consistently share how valuable these sessions are for their mental health, as well as their physical recovery. The camaraderie and sense of belonging can be truly life-changing — even life-saving.”
Statistics from the survey indicate that women who do stay active typically exercise three times per week, with two of those sessions often involving fellow participants. Of those who play team sports, an overwhelming 84% expressed a wish to participate more frequently, choosing football, basketball, and netball as their top picks.
Encouragingly, nearly all parent respondents (nine in ten) said that being a positive role model for their children’s exercise routines was important to them. This suggests there may be an appetite for breaking the cycle, providing future generations with more robust opportunities to stay active together.
Both Dowie and Foley are keen to emphasise the importance of making team sports accessible throughout every stage of a woman’s life. “Encouraging women to return to, or even try out, team sport later in life opens up chances for better health and meaningful friendships,” Foley said.
As the spotlight turns to the Women’s Euros this summer, advocates hope such initiatives will inspire more women to (re)join teams, helping to change UK sporting culture for the better — and for longer.