Leaders like us: landscape of physical activity leadership programmes for underserved young women in England

Abstract Background Despite growing advocacy for youth-led and inclusive physical activity provision, there remains limited evidence on how to effectively support underserved young women aged (16–25) and those from minoritised genders into Physical Activity leadership roles. Methods We used a two-phase sequential design. Phase 1 involved systematic mapping of 53 PA leadership programmes in England to describe programme focus, target populations, delivery models and stated outcomes. Phase 2 comprised seven online focus groups with 41 practitioners involved in designing, delivering or overseeing such programmes. Mapping data were summarised using descriptive statistics and narrative synthesis; focus group data were analysed using hybrid inductive–deductive framework analysis informed by Critical Positive Youth Development and feminist–intersectional lenses. Results Only a minority of mapped programmes were explicitly designed for girls and young women from underserved groups. Programmes most commonly operated through school- or club-based delivery, using modular learning, mentoring and cascaded models, with fewer incorporating financial support, digital delivery or clearly defined progression routes. Practitioners described how recruitment frequently relied on institutional gatekeepers and digital communication, raising concerns about who is reached and who is missed. They emphasised the importance of relational and culturally grounded recruitment and support, care-oriented infrastructures, and broader conceptualisations of leadership that include advocacy, representation and community influence. Conclusion Combining systematic mapping with practitioner insights provides an integrated descriptive and interpretive picture of current provision. The findings indicate uneven targeting of underserved girls and young women and variable support for their progression into leadership roles. Enhancing equity in PA leadership development will require attention to recruitment practices, relational support and progression pathways that recognise diverse forms of youth leadership.