The correlates of women’s versus men’s football participation in Europe: gender insights and policy implications

This study examines the correlates of women’s and men’s football participation in Europe, distinguishing between formal 11-a-side and informal/small-sided football. Theoretically, it is informed by an economic framework outlining the role of personal characteristics and constraints, consumption opportunities, as well as consumption and social capital. The empirical analysis is based on data from a unique pan-European survey including respondents from eight countries (n=6,391). Bivariate probit models are estimated to identify the correlates of these two forms of football for women and men. The results show that age is negatively associated with 11-a-side football for men. For women, participation in both forms declines with increasing age, but at a decreasing rate. Financial resources represent a constraint to 11-a-side football, while people in employment tend to play informal football. Drinking and smoking is more prevalent among men and in the context of informal football. While perceived sport opportunities in the local area are only relevant to men’s participation in informal football, having friends playing football as well as actively practising other sports and passive consumption in the form of watching football and/or other sports in the media have positive associations with participation for all forms of football and across genders. These findings indicate the importance of consumption opportunities and consumption capital coupled with social capital. They also suggest the need for gender-specific policy implications: Given the distinct associations for women and men, targeted policies for each gender are necessary to promote and facilitate participation in different forms of the sport.