Content overview: “Coach training leaves gaps in addressing girls' and women's needs in sport”. A systemic failure in coach education is leaving many coaches unprepared to meet the specific needs of female athletes, warns Ådne Ausland, a researcher at the University of Agder. His assessment points to a widespread training gap that affects girls and women across sports, potentially limiting their development, performance, and long-term participation. The issue is not about a lack of commitment among coaches, but rather a structural shortfall in how coaching qualifications are designed and delivered.
Without targeted education on female physiology, psychology, and social dynamics, coaches may inadvertently apply methods better suited to male athletes. This can increase injury risk, reduce motivation, and contribute to dropout rates among women in sport. The research highlights an urgent need for governing bodies and educational institutions to revise curricula and include evidence-based, gender-responsive coaching practices. This listing links straight to the original page, where the content is available in full.