Squash has long been characterized as a pastime primarily for older, affluent men. Yet, sporting federations are now putting concerted efforts into diversifying the player base by attracting younger participants and women. This challenge, however, isn't exclusive to squash. Comprehensive data from the European Commission's Eurostat Study 2020 affirms that this trend is prevalent across various sports in Europe.
Gender Bias in Sports:
Across the sporting world, a significant gender bias is observable. While squash has its share of male dominance, sports like ice hockey, cricket, and cycling demonstrate even greater gender imbalances. On the flip side, activities such as netball, figure skating, yoga, and aerobic classes predominantly attract female participants.
Key Findings from Eurostat's 2020 Sport Participation Study:
The Eurostat study exclusively considered non-work-related physical activities, encompassing a range of sports and fitness activities that induce at least a minimal increase in heart rate or breathing. These include Nordic walking, brisk walking, ball games, jogging, cycling, swimming, aerobics, rowing, and squash among others.
In 2019, the report showed that 44% of the EU population above the age of 15 participated in sports at least once a week. Moreover, men (47%) were more active than women (42%) across the European Union.
In general, women practise sport less than men
In the EU as a whole, in 2019 more men (47 %) than women (42 %) exercised regularly (see Figure below).
Older people in some Member States are sportier than young people in others
Generally, as people age, their involvement in sports tends to diminish. According to the study, the percentage of EU citizens engaging in sports at least once a week ranged from a high of 65% among those aged 15-24 to a low of 31% in the 65+ age group.
People on lower incomes are less likely to practise sport
It's evident that income is a significant factor influencing sports participation rates. In 2019, 55% of those from higher income brackets were active compared to 37% from lower-income groups. While some sports can be costly and less accessible, other activities like walking require no financial investment. Thus, the income disparity in sports participation may also be attributed to other socio-economic factors such as educational attainment, social standing, awareness of health benefits, and availability of free time.
Interestingly, when focusing on individuals aged 15-29—who are generally more active—the income quintile did not show substantial disparities in time spent on aerobic physical activity per week, particularly among those with higher participation rates (150 minutes or more per week).
Summary
The Eurostat 2020 Sport Participation Study sheds light on several critical aspects, one of which is the demographic makeup of squash participants. The data indicate that squash's player demographics reflect the broader patterns observed in sports participation across Europe. This suggests that squash is an inclusive sport, drawing individuals from various age groups, genders, and economic backgrounds. These findings highlight the sport's potential as an engaging and diverse recreational activity that appeals to a wide cross-section of society.
Comentários