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April 12, 2024
Despite efforts to promote diversity and dismantle barriers to entry, advancement and retention in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) fields, women continue to be significantly underrepresented. This disparity extends to the realm of sports technology, where women remain marginalized despite the growing recognition of the importance of technology in sports and the increasing prominence of women in sports themselves.
In a bid to shatter gender barriers, Manchester United and the Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS Formula One Team have forged a groundbreaking partnership with German software company TeamViewer to launch SheSportTech, an initiative to encourage more women in the emerging field of sports technology. The new pathway program is open for applications until June 30, 2024 and seeks to provide women with mentorship opportunities, grants for training and support for career transitions.
Sports technology, also known as “sports tech,” includes a wide variety of programs to enhance athletic performance, training methodologies, sports analysis and the overall quality of the sporting experience for athletes, coaches and spectators. However, despite a strong potential for career growth and fulfillment in the field, the industry remains largely unexplored by many girls and women. With sports technology sitting at the intersection of two traditionally male-dominated fields, women often face barriers to entry and advancement.
SheSportTech wants to address this gender gap by raising awareness, providing opportunities and empowering women to pursue rewarding careers in this rapidly expanding field. To accomplish these goals, the SheSportTech Pathway offers interested women opportunities to receive guidance and mentorship from accomplished professionals within the industry. Five successful applicants to the program will be paired with experienced female mentors who will provide invaluable insights, guidance and support tailored to their individual career goals and aspirations. In addition to mentorship, SheSportTech will provide €1500 in financial assistance to help each enhance their skills and qualifications in sports technology.
Sophie O’Connor, a CRM Database Manager at Manchester United, is a great example of the impact raising awareness of the space can have. Her interest in sports tech came after having already applied to study drama at university. Instead, after a chance call from a recruiter, O’Connor changed career paths and found her new passion. She believes there needs to be greater education for young girls about opportunities that exist for women in tech and sports tech at an earlier age.
“I remember at 16 telling the career adviser that I wanted to do drama and him saying, ‘you’re good at maths, you should be an actuary’, but at the time I did not know what that was. I wish my options were better explained at the time; Sports technology was never a consideration until a recruiter called me six years ago,” O’Connor said. “As long as you have the skills or the ability to learn [skills], then gender becomes irrelevant. However, representation is important because as a female you can bring a different way of thinking/problem solving/multi-tasking.”
The SheSportTech initiative is an encouraging step forward in the ongoing pursuit of gender parity and diversity within the sports technology industry. To apply to the pathway program, interested women must fill out the online form on TeamViewer’s website. All women across the globe who are passionate about sport and technology are encouraged to apply. Successful recipients will be announced in August 2024. For additional support or questions about the pathway program, applicants can contact [email protected].
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