Hello and welcome!

Every month we’ll be bringing you insightful features and analysis on the latest developments in women’s sport, explaining what you should be keeping an eye on and why it matters.

In this special launch edition, we hear from industry leaders as we explore the five key differentiators that shape the unique ecosystem of women’s sport.

We’re also spotlighting standout campaigns, trailblazing partnerships and the most inspiring recent achievements by women in sport around the world.

I’m Nancy Gillen, managing director of Touchline Women’s Sport. This newsletter is just a glimpse of the work we do – please feel free to get in touch if you’d like to find out more! Otherwise, sit back, relax and dive into this month’s main feature.

Harnessing the unique potential of women’s sport

Women's sport is now impossible to ignore. After decades of being sidelined, underfunded and underestimated, the tide is finally turning and everyone wants to get involved. 

But in the scramble to catch up, many are getting it wrong. For years, women’s sport was viewed as second-rate. Now, it risks being treated as a carbon copy of men’s sport, instead of a distinct ecosystem that is different in exciting ways.  

While there will always be overlaps with men’s sport, the evolution of women's sport should not simply be about closing the gap by imitation. It should also be about growing the industry by recognising and amplifying what makes it different. 

In this month’s feature article, we explore five key differentiators that shape the unique ecosystem of women’s sport with the help of industry experts:

• Netball Super League managing director Claire Nelson

• Women’s Sport Trust CEO Tammy Parlour

• Tottenham Hotspur defender Amy James-Turner

• Women’s Rugby World Cup social media lead Georgie Lack

• PEBE Sports Bras co-founder Lucy Horsell