5 ways to Support Women in Sports and Opportunities to get active

Have you ever walked into a gym and noticed how few females there are in there? Or have you ever gone to a women’s sporting event and noticed a small fan section?

The unfortunate fact is that women’s sports go unnoticed a lot of the time. Especially in college and the pros, women’s sports just don’t get enough screen time, money, and promotion. It’s not that they aren’t good athletes, there are plenty of women who have excelled in their sports. It’s more along the lines that it’s just not as interesting to viewers, that the pace isn’t fast enough. What’s needed is just a space that is dedicated to supporting women.

In sports, women are definitely underrepresented, at the recreational level and the pro level. In Northern Colorado, there is different proof that women struggle to keep their fan base high, get out, and work out when there isn’t much representation. Below are 5 ways to support women in sports and opportunities out there to get active.

1. Old Town Athletic Club- Crossfit

“Old Town Athletic Club Main Gym Area” by Old Town Athletic Club Website

Getting out into the gym can be hard but the Old Town Athletic Club also known as OTAC has provided classes and a workout facility that equips soul personalities' needs including females. One thing that’s super cool about OTAC is they have a lot of women coaches who are there to do small group classes, introduction to fitness classes, CrossFit classes, and personal training. They really invite an environment of strength for women, which is super important. Sometimes especially in an area like CrossFit where it is a male-dominated sport. Having these female athletes and coaches definitely invites a more welcoming environment.

2. CSU Women’s Cross Country Team

“Colorado State Women’s Cross Country team” by Unknown Source

Another way to support women in sports is to go to CSU women’s athletic events. One of the ones that don’t get a lot of light is the CSU cross, country team. When talking with Lauren Turner, a fourth-year cross country runner, she said that,

“It means a lot when people show up to cross country meets.”

A lot of the time the men’s team doesn’t support the women as much as they would like because their race is after the women which means they are warming up. Having other community members and students coming out to support these women really helps to motivate them to get through the race. It’s just as important as showing up for a football or basketball game. These athletes work so hard and not a lot of people see their work. The CSU Rams Athletic website has all athletic events which include women's sports as well.

3. Rec-centers in NOCO

“Greeley Recreation Center” by Greeley Recreation Center Website

In Northern Colorado alone, there are at least 12 rec centers within the Fort Collins, and Loveland, Greeley areas. There are a lot more parks and outdoor recreation activities for women. This is definitely more focused on women with children and it provides them a space where they can be active and have that family bonding but also take care of themselves as well. There’s the CSU Rec Center which allows memberships there is the Northside Aztlan Community Center along with the foothills activity center and the Greeley Recreation Center. All of these are outstanding places for active growth for women of any age, but also to show children that it’s important to be active and stay active. Here is the website to find more information for Greeley Recreation Center. Along with the Colorado State University Recreation Center website and the Northside Aztlan Community Center

4. Female Athlete Network

“National Girls & Women in Sports Day at the University of Northern Colorado” by Female Athlete Network

The Female athlete Netwerk located in Fort Collins really tries to support women, especially young girls, and college students to appreciate their sport outside of daily practice and games. They provide opportunities and events for women in college and below to really find the passion within their sport and change it into a lifetime activity. A lot of the time, most athletes grow up, playing their sport, and some of them go pro but for most people, it ends, either at high school or the college level. After that, there is not much that is done to continue that activity. The Female Athlete Network really helps to support those girls and keep them playing, practicing, and staying strong in their sports and body. More information regarding the Network can be found on their page for ways to have support and find events around Northern Colorado.

5. Colorado Mountain Club

“The Rocky Mountains” by The Colorado Mountain Club Website

The Colorado Mountain Club has a branch that is in Northern Colorado and they really focus on getting people outdoors. They provide lots of hiking opportunities for the whole family and for Mom, anything that may be needed they have events for it. They really emphasize lifelong activity, similar to athletic clubs, rec centers, and the Female Athlete Network. They also really focus on running and how running is such a universal lifelong activity that anyone can do. They set up races for kids, teens, and adult females during the summer and provide training activities during the winter. It seems to be a great way to get out and find other members of the community who like outdoor activities and being active. Since it is a Colorado club in general you can always go and enjoy the community in Boulder, Denver, and the Pikes Peak area and find friends in the community that focuses on being active. Find your community through their website to find a network focused on outdoor activities.

All of these clubs, centers, and activities are set in place for all genders to be active. Although, this is aimed mostly at females there are a lot of activities that are good for all ages in all walks of life. Whether that is being active through the running club or showing up and supporting CSU women’s sports it’s all important. Having other women around who are passionate about staying fit helps to create a sense of belonging and builds strength within a community.