A former captain of Poole Women’s Rugby Club has spoken out about her experiences of sexism and stereotypes within the sports industry.
Maya Franqueira, a 20-year-old athlete and Just Strong Ambassador, noticed a lack of a women’s rugby club in Poole.
She consequently set one up in late August of this year.
Ms Franqueira said: “I think every girl needs to have some sort of experience like that and to feel like part of a team, especially a team sport.”
Ms Franqueira joined the gym when she was 14 to relieve stress.
This led to some experiences of sexism whilst she was training.
She said: “If they see you trying to lift something, you will get some comments like, ‘do you know how to use that?
“It kind of makes me a bit angry.”
Ms Franqueira also addressed the attitudes people have towards her being a rugby player.
We were informed when she tells others what sport she plays, she is met with responses such as; “You really don’t look like the kind of person to play rugby.”
When asked what advice she would give to young female athletes, she replied: “Don’t let any stereotypes influence your decision.
“It doesn’t matter if you don’t look how you think you should for a certain sport.
“Just go for it because it will be one of the best decisions you make, I know it was for me.”
Read more about sexism within sport:
https://buzz.bournemouth.ac.uk/2020/12/the-importance-o…d-by-a-professor/
https://buzz.bournemouth.ac.uk/2020/12/sexism-in-sport-…-needs-to-change/
Sexism in sport and why it still needs to change