Powering Performance: E.ON publishes inaugural Women in Sport Survey findings

E.ON has today published findings from its Powering Performance: Women in Sport Survey, revealing a widening gap between a growing interest in women’s sport and long-term participation. 

While female interest is rising at three times the rate of men, 60% of women stop playing sport by the age of 34, compared to 37% of men, highlighting‑ a significant drop-off at key life stages. 

Based on the insight that sport is an effective way to build the soft skills needed in the workplace, including problem-solving, conflict resolution and leadership, the research builds on E.ON’s long-standing commitment to women’s sport and developing a well-rounded workforce that is set up to deliver the UK’s transition to clean energy.   

The study finds early experiences present a major opportunity to shape lifelong participation. Four in ten people in the UK are first introduced to sport at school, highlighting the vital role education can play in building confidence, future career skills and positive habits from a young age. Ensuring equal encouragement and access for girls could be key to turning growing interest into sustained participation. 

Life stages also play a defining role, with 57% of women saying hormonal and physical changes, including puberty, pregnancy and menopause, have directly affected their ability to participate in sport. 

Despite these challenges, progress is being made. Four in five (81%) of people believe attitudes to women’s sport have improved over the past five years, presenting a significant opportunity to convert interest into action. 

Scott Somerville, Director of External Affairs at E.ON UK, said: “This research shows that while attitudes towards women’s sport are improving, too many women are still dropping out far too early. That matters not just for sport, but for society and the workforce more broadly. 

“We see a clear link between participation in sport and the skills needed for successful careers. Qualities like confidence, resilience, teamwork, strategic thinking and leadership. That’s why this report is important to any business that recognises that it can power its performance through female talent.  

“Research shows that 94% of women in C-suite roles played competitive sport, highlighting the powerful role it can play in developing future leaders.* If we want to deliver on our commitment to make new energy work for everyone, we must have a workforce that is representative of the people we serve. We must invest in women and girls who want to embrace sport and all the benefits it provides.

“Through our long-standing Women in Sport programme, I believe we can continue to give E.ON the advantage."  

Visibility of female role models in sport was identified as a powerful lever in driving both interest and participation with three-quarters (75%) of respondents believing that more female competitors will lead directly to more women playing sport. Through partnerships with the England’s Lionesses, Nottingham Forest Women and Nottingham Forest Netball, E.ON is playing its part by supporting and raising visibility of female role models. 

The full report, Powering Performance: Women in Sport Survey, is available here.