Here’s a startling fact: across the UK, over one million girls drop out of sports during their teenage years, with girls being 22% less likely than boys to participate in team sports. But why is this happening, and what can we do about it? The University of East London (UEL) is taking a bold step to address this issue by hosting WNBA stars as part of Her Time to Play, a global initiative aimed at empowering women in sports and leadership. This move comes at a crucial time, as the NBA’s London Game returns to The O2 on January 18, featuring the Memphis Grizzlies versus the Orlando Magic—the first regular-season match since 2019.
Her Time to Play isn’t just about basketball; it’s about breaking down barriers. The program includes coaching clinics, referee training, and leadership panels featuring former WNBA player Briann January and WNBA director Lauren Dwyer. But here’s where it gets controversial: despite these efforts, barriers like fear of judgment, low confidence, and menstruation stigma persist, with over a third of girls avoiding sports during their periods. Is this a cultural issue, a lack of infrastructure, or something else entirely? We’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments.
Hilary Lissenden, UEL’s executive director of sport strategy and growth, emphasizes the university’s commitment: ‘This week has been about uniting our community through basketball and celebrating the NBA’s presence in London. Our Olympic-standard facilities have hosted participants, fostering engagement, student growth, and talent development.’ UEL’s involvement extends beyond global programs; they run targeted initiatives to tackle local challenges, ensuring women and girls feel confident and supported in sports.
Erik Brucker from NBA Operations praises UEL’s role: ‘UEL is a powerhouse for basketball in the UK, especially in London. Their facilities and dedication to the sport are unparalleled. Whenever basketball happens in London, UEL should be at the forefront.’ And this is the part most people miss: UEL’s efforts aren’t just about hosting events—they’re about creating lasting change, one player, one leader, at a time.
So, what do you think? Are programs like Her Time to Play enough to reverse the trend of girls dropping out of sports? Or do we need a more radical approach? Let’s start the conversation below!
