Dr Katie Garstang
Postdoctoral Research Fellow
Dr Katie Garstang is a physical activity participation researcher in the School of Sport, Exercise and Rehabilitation Sciences at University of Birmingham.
Beyond the Boundary
Coaching ethnically diverse women: A toolkit for coaches
Women from ethnically diverse communities can experience unique barriers to participation in sport and physical activity. To better understand these experiences, researchers at the University of Birmingham worked in partnership with the Warwickshire Cricket Foundation and women from communities across Birmingham to explore the factors that influence engagement in community sport and physical activity programmes.
Through conversations with women and coaches, the project identified the motivations, challenges, and support needs that shape participation. These insights highlighted the importance of creating welcoming and inclusive environments that reflect the needs and experiences of the communities they serve.
The findings from this work directly informed the development of ‘Beyond the Boundary: Coaching Ethnically Diverse Women’, a practical coaching toolkit designed to support coaches, community organisations, and sport providers.
Download the toolkit (PDF - 2.9 MB).
The toolkit translates research evidence and lived experiences into actionable strategies that can be used by coaches to help improve recruitment, engagement, enjoyment, and long-term participation in community sport. We invite coaches, practitioners, and organisations to explore the toolkit and consider how its recommendations can support more equitable and inclusive opportunities for women to participate in sport and physical activity.
Dr Sarah Williams
Associate Professor in Sport Psychology and Coaching Science
Sarah has a particular interest and focus in using mental imagery to elicit more facilitative appraisals and responses to stress.
Professor Jet Veldhuijzen van Zanten
Senior Lecturer in Biological Psychology
Professor Veldhuijzen van Zanten's research, focuses on the influence of behaviour on psychological and physiological health and well-being in various clinical populations.