To Play or Not to Play? What Drives Girls' and Women's Participation in Football?

The growing attention to women's football is reflected in the rising number of female players. This article quantifies factors driving participation in girls' and women's football. First, a stated preference method explores organization-related factors. Second, a revealed preference method analyzes the factors that influence the personal decision to consider, start and stop playing football. Data of 438 women and 394 men, aged between 8 and 66 years, are used, allowing for different comparisons. The presence of female referees, staff members and friends in the team, as well as playing outdoors and having positive peer support attracts more girls and women to play football. Moreover, it is necessary to offer women's football at nearby locations, in a mix of recreational and competitive settings and with both women-only and mixed teams. The results give rise to specific recommendations and actions for policymakers. Moreover, resulting changes in female football participation probability are calculated.