Blog 128: Finding Space for Girls in Urban Sports

Urban sports like parkour, skateboarding, and BMX are growing in popularity—but for many girls, these spaces still feel out of reach. At Movement Park – we’re trying to change that, not just for the urban sports scene, but to improve physical literacy for girls and women. Movement Park is a Glasgow-based charity that develops physical literacy through play. 

What’s the Problem?

Let’s talk stats. At the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, we saw gender parity in BMX Racing for the first time  – 24 women and 24 men compared to 32 men and 16 women at the three previous Games, yet this doesn’t apply to everyday bike tracks, which are overwhelmingly male-dominated. The UK is also making progress in parkour, with an estimated 35 per cent of those who take part being female, it’s one of the highest in the world, but still not on an equal footing. Skateboarding is even lower with an estimated 15 per cent female participation, that’s one girl for every six or seven boys.

And this isn’t just about parkour or skating. Across all sports, girls face bigger challenges. Research shows girls have lower physical literacy – that’s confidence, competence, and motivation to be active – in every single age group (Women in Sport, 2023). By the time they hit secondary school, fewer girls enjoy PE compared to boys (Youth Sport Trust, 2022).

So what’s the holdback?

• Stereotypes: Parkour and skateboarding are often seen as risky, extreme, or just “not for girls.”
  
• Lack of role models: If girls don’t see women doing it, they often don’t think they can.
  
• Unwelcoming spaces: Skateparks can feel male-dominated. Girls tell us they go when it’s quiet or even leave when it gets busy.
  
• Confidence: Fear of being judged, feeling like they’re not good enough, or even just not wanting to get sweaty can hold girls back.
  

And sadly, this all adds up to fewer girls trying urban sports, or sticking with them long enough to really enjoy the benefits.

Why Do Girls Need Their Own Space?

Let’s be honest, trying something new is hard enough without worrying about being the only girl there or whether anyone will help you out.

Girls-only spaces offer a soft landing. They help girls feel:

• Safe and supported – no judgement, no pressure.
  
• Confident to try – everyone’s learning, together.
  
• Like they belong – because they do.
  

And when girls feel good about being active, amazing things happen. They build confidence, form new friendships, and become more resilient. Research shows active girls are more likely to stick with things, feel happier, and even enjoy school more. 

What Are We Doing to This?

We’ve launched a series of girls-only, beginner-friendly urban sports programmes at Movement Park, and they’re totally free.

Whether your girl is curious about skating, wants to leap into parkour, or loves riding her bike and wants to give BMX a go, we’ve got something for her.

All our sessions are:

• Fun and friendly
  
• Led by relatable female coaches
  
• Open to complete beginners
  
• All about building skills and confidence
  

Here’s what’s coming up:

• Girls on Boards – starting Monday 1st September (6 weeks): Learn to skateboard in a relaxed, supportive space.
  
• Girls do Parkour – starting Thursday 4th September (6 weeks): Jump, vault, and move with confidence in a parkour playground.
  
• Girls on Bikes (with Scottish Cycling) – starting Tuesday 16th September (4 weeks): For girls who can ride but want to level up their cycling or try BMX.

What Do We Want to See?

Our goal is bigger than just getting girls moving for four – six weeks (although we think that’s pretty great too). We want to spark a movement.

We want girls to:

• Feel confident and capable in their bodies
  
• Form new friendships and social connections
  
• See female coaches and leaders and think, “I could do that”
  
• Grow into strong, empowered young women who know they belong in these spaces
  

And long-term? We’re working toward a future where girls are not just in urban sport — they’re leading it.

Want to Join Us?

If you know a girl aged 8+ who’s curious, adventurous, or just needs a little encouragement to try something new, we’d love to have her.

No experience? No problem.
No gear? We can help with that, too.
All we ask is curiosity, courage, and a willingness to give it a go.

👉 Sign up now at: https://www.movementpark.org.uk/girls-programmes

Let’s find space for girls in urban sports and help them make it their own 💪🛹🚲