At the Muslim Sports Foundation, our mission has always been clear: to create equal opportunities for Muslim communities to thrive in sport and physical activity.
Today, we are proud to launch “Improving PE for Muslim Girls”—a new guide designed to help schools better support Muslim girls in PE, sport, and physical activity.
This resource has been developed in collaboration with the Youth Sport Trust and supported by The FA and Nike, using extensive research and, most importantly, the lived experiences of Muslim girls themselves.
Why This Guide Matters
Despite having a strong desire to be active, many Muslim girls still face significant barriers to participating in PE and sport. Research has found that:
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Only 54% of Muslim girls in secondary school enjoy PE
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Fewer than 25% participate in sports clubs outside school
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Just 40% feel comfortable being active in school settings
These statistics highlight a clear need for action.
For many Muslim girls, PE remains a space where they feel excluded—whether due to modesty concerns, lack of representation, or limited access to appropriate kit and safe environments. As a statutory part of the school curriculum, PE should be a positive and inclusive experience for every student. Our guide offers a way forward.
What the Guide Offers
“Improving PE for Muslim Girls” is built around a clear, values-led framework that reflects girls’ lived experiences and Islamic principles. It helps educators and school leaders:
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Recognise physical activity as part of the Islamic way of life, rooted in the Sunnah
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Reflect Muslim values in PE, including modesty, respect, and community
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Co-create inclusive and flexible PE practices with girls, not just for them
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Develop cultural understanding and empathy among teaching staff
This isn’t about one-size-fits-all answers. It’s about practical, flexible strategies that respond to the needs of individual girls—whether through modest PE kit options, girls-only activities, or inclusive teaching methods.
What Better PE Looks Like
The guide invites educators to reimagine PE from a Muslim girl’s perspective—where taking part boosts confidence, reflects her faith, and helps her connect with others without fear of judgement.
By improving PE in this way, we can help more girls feel:
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Comfortable and secure in their environment
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Proud of their identity
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Motivated to stay active
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Seen and heard in their schools
What’s Next?
This guide is just the beginning. In October 2025, we will launch a comprehensive toolkit and e-learning module, providing deeper guidance, real-world examples, templates, and professional development tools.
We believe that every girl deserves to feel included, supported, and celebrated in sport. Together, we can break down the barriers and open up a world of opportunity.
