soccer team

I used to play for soccer team and a transwoman used to train and play with us sometimes. We didn't know she was trans at the time (only after she detransitioned later) but she was very obviously much stronger, faster and more aggressive than all the other players. Women on the team did not like playing against her as they were likely to be injured during tackles. I play mixed soccer as well, so am very aware of the differences playing against men vs other women. As this becomes more widespread it will only put women off playing mixed sports. This player wasn't especially talented compared to a standard male player - if they had been that would only have made the situation much more demoralising for the female players. This isn't at any kind of professional level - just normal, entry level grassroots sports.

#unitedkingdom #womenssports #sport #soccer #safety #physicalinjury

girlguiding

I will not allow my daughter to go to camps run by GirlGuiding UK, as there is a chance that an instructor could be a male identifying as a woman. There is also a chance that a boy could be attending the camp, identifying as a girl. I am considering withdrawing her from GirlGuiding altogether, which is a shame as she really enjoys the 'girl only' aspect of the club, and there aren't any other similar activities available.

#unitedkingdom #girlguiding #girlguides #safety

kickboxing

I initially got into kickboxing when my flatmate was raped. She was deeply affected by the experience for obvious reasons and wanted to learn self defence and become stronger. She wanted to go and I wanted to support her, we both trained for years and made strong connections with the group, making friends, attending competitions, going to Christmas and summer parties outside of training, and some of those friendships have lasted to this day. When I took a break for nearly 10 years, my mental and physical health suffered. After having a baby I took other classes but was never as fit and felt I would never be strong again. I suffered with back problems and post-natal anxiety since the birth and thought that was it. Eventually I found a women-only class where I thought I would be comfortable and ease into my return and build my fitness. The class was run by a lesbian, not that this was relevant, but she brought it up to explain that the class was just for women (and that some people thought she was a man from behind as she was, at her own description 'butch, with broad shoulders and short hair', so I felt comfortable attending. At the first class a man, who was a regular it appeared, arrived and I instantly clammed up. This person was very clearly a man with a female-sounding name and whilst I wouldn't be sparring with this person due to height (I'm 5ft1) it changed the atmosphere and class dynamic for me. I managed the first class but didn't return as I felt very anxious and uncomfortable. I was determined not to let this stop me but I needed to be more selective so the burden of research was on me to find a truly female-only class and I stopped and started several times. I did eventually find a club which has classes at a time and location that suited me and worked around work, childcare and my husband's work.

#unitedkingdom #womenssport #sport #kickboxing #recovery