Aussie Kids Need More Female Sport Role Models

While interest in women's sport in Australia is soaring, two thirds of Australians (68 per cent) believe our kids should be getting more exposure to female sporting role models, new CommBank research reveals.

A hugely successful Women's Ashes series helped fuel massive interest in women's sport in Australia during 2017, with 47 per cent of the nation more interested in women's sport than in 2016, the research shows. But one in two Aussies still can't name a current female athlete, and male athletes are still more recognised than their female counterparts (65 per cent males vs. 40 per cent females).

When it comes to choosing our favourite athletes, some of the top reasons include because we see them on TV often (65 per cent) and because we played the same sport when we were children (48 per cent).

The majority of Aussies (70 per cent) believe that if there was more women's sport on TV, more women would continue or take up competitive sport. The research also reveals local support is crucial, with programs such as grassroots cricket clubs essential for encouraging young girls to keep playing cricket (71 per cent).

Kylie Macfarlane, General Manager Corporate Responsibility at Commonwealth Bank, said, "It's promising to see a growing demand for more women's sport. We've seen this first-hand through our partnership with Cricket Australia, as new fans stream in to women's cricket, with record-breaking numbers on TV, at the ground and on social media this summer.

"Through initiatives such as the Commonwealth Bank Women's Ashes broadcast enhancement and our support of grassroots cricket we're working to level the playing field, raise the profile of women's cricket in Australia and inspire everyone to love cricket, no matter their gender or ability."

Australian Women's Cricket Team all-rounder and CommBank Ambassador, Ellyse Perry, said, "I am proud to see the overall profile of women's sports and female sporting role models increasing all the time. It's this exposure, alongside foundation grassroots programs, that will continue to inspire and provide opportunities for girls right across the country to fall in love with the game."

The top 5 most watched or listened to women's sports*:
1. Cricket (21%)
2. AFL (18%)
3. Soccer (14%)
4. Tennis (13%)
5. Netball (12%)

The top 5 reasons why Aussies pick a favourite male or female athlete:
1. They are exciting or impressive to watch (90%)
2. They are inspirational (81%)
3. They see them on TV often (65%)
4. They play for their favourite team (62%)
5. They played the same sport as a child (48%)

Interview with Ellyse Perry, Australian Women's Cricket Team all-rounder and CommBank Ambassador

Question: How does it feel to hear women's sport in Australia is soaring?

Ellyse Perry: I am proud to see the overall profile of women's sports and female sporting role models increasing all the time. It's this exposure, alongside foundation grassroots programs, that will continue to inspire and provide opportunities for girls right across the country to fall in love with the game. CommBank research reveals two thirds of Aussies, or 68%, agree kids need more exposure to female sporting stars. With more female role models and initiatives like the CommBank Women's Ashes broadcast enhancement and support of grassroots cricket, interest in women's sport will continue to grow.


Question: How can Australian families increase their exposure to female sporting role models?

Ellyse Perry: With increased exposure of women's sport on TV, it would be awesome if Australian families tuned in to support us and joined the conversation – whether that be via streaming, watching on TV, at the ground or on social media. In fact, CommBank research has found that when it comes to choosing our favourite athletes, some of the top reasons include because we see them on TV often (65 per cent) and because we played the same sport when we were children (48 per cent).


Question: What advice do you have for young women interested in pursuing cricket?

Ellyse Perry: I'm a believer of be what you see – young women need role models to stay motivated and committed when pursuing sport. CommBank research revealed that while interest in women's sport in Australia is soaring, two thirds of Australians (68 per cent) believe our kids should be getting more exposure to female sporting role models. There has certainly been no better time to play sport as a female and the profile of women's sports is increasing all the time. If you've fallen in love with the game train hard and don't give up on your dreams...


Question: How do you use your social media accounts to influence young girls?

Ellyse Perry: There are so many amazing and inspiring women in sport. I would honestly suggest that young girls follow the women who inspire them to pursue their sporting or fitness passion, whether that's an athlete, blogger or friend!