21. Fig - OCR - GCSE Physical Education - Question 21 - 2021 - Paper 1

To analyze participation rates in women’s football in 2018, we can evaluate both the raw numbers and the trends shown in Fig. 21.

1. Total Participation: In 2018, there were 2,480,000 female players overall, which includes 1,580,000 women aged 16 and older playing football. This suggests a substantial increase in female participation compared to previous years, indicating growing interest and opportunity for women in the sport.

2. Youth Participation: The figure shows that 900,000 girls aged 5-15 are involved in football, which is crucial as this age group often represents the future talent pool. This high number indicates that grassroots initiatives and youth programs are successful in promoting football among young females.

3. Affiliated Teams: With 3,818 affiliated youth teams and 1,580 affiliated women’s teams, the structure supporting female football is evidently expanding. More teams mean more opportunities for girls and women to participate in organized football, which is essential for the growth of the sport.

4. Comparison to Historical Data: The mention of just 10,400 female players in the 1993 season highlights how significantly participation has grown over the decades. Furthermore, in 2018, the 147,000 players in affiliated leagues and competitions represent a notable increase, suggesting that more women are not only playing for fun but also are engaging competitively.

5. Impacts of Initiatives: The upward trend in participation can be attributed to various initiatives and support from organizations aimed at encouraging women to engage in sports. Campaigns promoting equality in sports and increased visibility of women’s football in media coverage have also likely played a significant role.

In conclusion, the data collectively presents a promising outlook for women's football, indicating critical growth in participation rates, especially among the youth, which bodes well for the future of the sport.