An ally is someone who actively supports the rights of a minority group without being a member of it.
A minority group is any small group in society that is different from others because of their race, religion, political beliefs, faith, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, health, ability or background, or are made to feel as though they are a minority, in a way that is harmful or unfair.
Allies play an important role in inclusivity and equality; whether it’s in your sport or physical activity, outside your sport, in the workplace, at school, or in everyday life.
What is an ally?
An ally is someone who actively promotes and wants to improve the culture of inclusion, through intentional, positive and conscious efforts which benefit others.
Examples of minority groups
- LGBTQ+ individuals - acknowledge how this community may not always feel safe in all spaces
- d/Deaf and disabled individuals - you don't need to understand every aspect of a person’s disability, however you should consider their needs and experiences
- ethnic minorities and marginalised communities - learn about individual backgrounds, beliefs, culture and experiences
- low-socio-economic backgrounds – understand how experiences of financial limitations may affect their ability to access sport and physical activity
Ways to be an ally
There are different ways to be an everyday or active ally. To be an ally within your sport club, activity, or community could mean any of the following:
- to take on the issues or struggles as your own
- to stand up and speak up, even when you feel uneasy (but only if you feel safe to)
- use the benefits of your privilege to help others
- acknowledge other individual lived experiences
- be open and willing to learn and grow
- champion accessibility in your space
Encouraging allyship within your sport or activity
Building a community of allies will encourage others to act as allies too and will help to create a more inclusive culture in your organisation.
Other ways you can support allyship
- open dialogue – create spaces where individuals can openly discuss issues related to diversity, inclusion, and allyship. Encourage sharing experiences and listening to each other.
- collaborate with others - seek input and ideas from a wide range of individuals, empower everyone to contribute. If you have members of your club, activity or community that have lived experience of the issues you are trying to overcome, collaborate on the possible solutions.
- promote growth - actively oppose discrimination whenever you encounter it. If mistakes are made, explore how they can be avoided and learnt from. If you don't know, then ask questions. Be open to learning more about people and how they are experiencing your sport and activity.
- accessibility - make sure spaces and information is accessible as possible for everyone’s needs. This doesn’t just mean what is visible, for example ramps and imagery, but also what cannot be seen, such as noise levels and atmosphere.
- role models - highlight and promote role models within the sport who exemplify allyship. Their stories can inspire others and demonstrate the positive impact of being an ally.
- celebrate diversity - recognise and celebrate the diversity within your sport. Host events and initiatives that highlight the contributions of all athletes, regardless of their background.
These are just examples. To put these into action, start thinking about how you can incorporate behaviours into codes of conduct or language use in everyday sessions. Being an ally will look different for each person and in every space. The aim is to support an inclusive and safe space where children and young people can thrive.
Why are allies important for sport and physical activity?
Allies are vital in sports as they foster support, amplify marginalised voices, break down barriers, promote inclusivity, and serve as role models. Their efforts create a welcoming and equitable environment, enhancing both individual and team performance, and building a strong sense of community. In essence, allies help ensure that everyone can thrive and feel valued in the world of sport.
An ally’s support could make the difference between an individual getting involved in sport, or taking a route without the physical, mental, social and emotional benefits that come from sport and physical activity.
What the research tells us
'Children and young people with two or more characteristics of inequality are the least active, least likely to volunteer and have the lowest levels of positive attitudes and wider outcomes.' - Sport England’s Active Lives Survey'Children or young people who have a disability are over three times more likely to experience a form of violence compared to their non-disabled peers.' - Prevalence and risk of violence against children with disabilities: a systematic review and meta-analysis of observational studies
'Many children and young people who come from Black, Asian and minoritised ethnic communities experience racism, bias, stereotyping or cultural misunderstanding as they grow up. This can result in some children and young people being more likely to come to the attention of child protection services, while other children are less likely to receive effective support.' - Nuffield Foundation, Annual report 2020