Fig. 21 shows some statistics about participation in women’s football in the UK - OCR - GCSE Physical Education - Question 21 - 2021 - Paper 1

In 2018, women's football in the UK showed significant participation rates among various age groups and competitive levels.

1. Affiliated Teams: There are 3,818 affiliated youth teams and 1,580 affiliated women's teams. This indicates a robust structure for fostering young talent as well as supporting women's league play.

2. Total Participation: With 2,480,000 total female players, including 1,580,000 women aged 16 and older, this statistic showcases the growing interest and involvement in women's football. The high number of participants reflects positively on the development of women's sporting opportunities.

3. Girls’ Participation: Notably, 900,000 girls aged 5-15 are involved in playing football. This highlights the importance of early participation, which is essential for future talent development in the sport.

4. Competitive Landscape: There is a marked increase in competition at all levels, with 147,000 female players competing in affiliated league and cup competitions in 2018. This illustrates a growing professional framework and increased competitive opportunities.

5. Historical Comparison: The statistics reveal growth from 10,400 female players in the 1993 season to 147,000 in 2018, indicating that efforts to promote women's football have been effective over the years.

In conclusion, the data from Fig. 21, along with broader knowledge of women's football trends, show promising participation rates that reflect ongoing growth, increased visibility, and investment in women's sports.