Progress in sport doesn’t just happen in a single moment.  

While events like International Women’s Day provide an opportunity to recognise and celebrate the achievements of women and girls, the real impact is built over time – through consistent action, visibility and opportunity. 

The progress of women in sport is something worth recognising year-round. 

If we turn back the page on history, we see iconic trailblazers like Dawn Fraser, Cathy Freeman and Evonne Goolangong-Cawley, alongside modern greats such as Emma McKeon, Lauren Jackson and Ash Barty. These athletes have dominated the global stage, achieving undeniable success and setting new standards for what’s possible. 

They are more than athletes, they are role models, and they are exactly who we, as a school sporting association, should be showcasing to the next generation. 

Their success also prompts an important question:  Are we creating meaningful and lasting opportunities for girls in sport?

Progress You Can Measure 

Within TAS, the answer is increasingly backed by data. 

Across TAS competition in 2025, female participation remained strong and consistent:

  • 642 fixtures (Trimester 1) with 153 teams
  • 505 fixtures (Trimester 2) with 144 teams
  • 750 fixtures (Trimester 3) with 147 teams

In 2026, that momentum has continued:

  • 574 fixtures (Trimester 1) with 160 teams entered

This increase is significant. It reflects not just participation, but a genuine and growing demand of girls putting their hands up to be involved. 

The Bigger Picture

Historically, female participation in sport has lagged behind. 

Research from the Australian Sports Commission shows that girls are still less likely to participate in sport than boys, particularly during teenage years. 

Globally, girls drop out of sport at higher rates than boys during adolescence. 

These trends highlight a long-standing challenge, but they also reinforce the importance of creating the right opportunities. 

Creating the Right Environments 

One of the clearest insights from TAS Sport’s experience is that when competitions are accessible, consistent and inclusive, girls participate. 

Participation doesn’t grow by chance. It grows when there are clear opportunities to get involved, structured and reliable competitions, and environments where girls feel encouraged and supported. 

The continued growth across TAS competition reflects a deliberate effort to ensure these opportunities are available, and that girls are empowered to take part. 

From Recognition to Action

Moments of recognition are important. They highlight progress and celebrate success. But meaningful change comes from what happens beyond those moments. 

For TAS, that means not only recognising participation, but actively supporting it. We are doing this by creating well-designed competitions and accessible pathways for all students. 

What Comes Next 

In sport, progress is no longer a question of if, it’s a question of how we continue to build on it. Our focus at TAS is to continue expanding opportunities for both girls and boys, supporting participation at all levels, and ensuring every student that wants to play, can. It’s not just about equity, it’s about building stronger communities, healthier individuals, and a more inclusive future for sport.