Over half (57%) of pregnant women and mothers with children under the age of one have felt excluded or unwelcome when trying to be active. The research was conducted by Sport England’s This Girl Can campaign as part of its new chapter to ensure no woman is left behind from the world of sport and physical activity. It found that alongside feelings of exclusion, pregnant women and new mums from lower income backgrounds face a number of barriers to movement.

As we step into 2026, we’re unveiling Our Big Push – a bold and forward-looking strategy that builds on the progress and partnerships we’ve achieved so far. This year marks an exciting new chapter for The APF, as we continue our mission to empower women to move with confidence, visibility, and support throughout every stage of pregnancy and motherhood.

The APF is expanding its programme delivery and partnerships, and we’re delighted to announce an exciting opportunity for an experienced Programme Manager to join our team on a freelance or secondment basis. This role offers the chance to play a key part in shaping and delivering our multi-partner programmes, funded by Sport England and the National Lottery, that support women to be active before, during, and after pregnancy.