Sport England has launched a drive to get more women putting on their ladies fitness wear and playing sport.

According the recent Active People survey, only one in eight women in England plays sport regularly (three times a week).

The same research also shows that women from disadvantaged communities play even less sport, with just one in ten taking part regularly.

Active Women, Sport England's new funding programme, aims to change this and is seeking bids from projects that directly address the challenges women have to overcome if they want to play more sport.

These include time constraints, childcare, transport, cost, friends to go with and self-confidence.

The funding programme was launched by Denise Lewis, mother of three and Olympic gold medallist.

"As a mum, I know how difficult it can be to prioritise yourself and find that personal time to play sport and be active. This campaign will offer women the opportunity to take those first steps towards making a change in their lives," said Ms Lewis.

Last month, over 300 representatives from local government, national governing bodies and county sports partnerships came together at Sport England's three Connect events to discuss how best to join forces to deliver additional improved opportunities to play sport. ADNFCR-2569-ID-19455033-ADNFCR

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