Championing diversity: Introducing SheSportTech

Bridging the gender gap in sport tech

But what is SheSportTech? Simply put, SheSportTech is a program offering support for women looking to get into sport technology. Organized alongside our sports partners Manchester United and the Mercedes AMG Petronas Formula One Team, the program provides training opportunities and partnering participants with role models – women already blazing a trail within the field.  

But why are we doing this? At TeamViewer, we believe that technology is made better with diverse talent. We know that there is a significant gender gap across tech – sport tech included – and we are committed to helping narrow it. SheSportTech is us following through on this commitment.

Why we need more women in the game

First, let me tell you where I’m coming from. My sports career began early, when I played hockey for England at junior level. But it was my discovery of handball through the Sporting Giants initiative that really took it up a notch. From here, I played professional handball in Denmark, where I was inspired by the progressive and inclusive culture.

Without doubt, my sporting career’s proudest moment was representing Great Britain at the London 2012 Olympics. In the time since, I’ve been committed to breaking down barriers and creating more opportunities for women in sports. I want to empower female athletes to pursue their passions fearlessly and strive for excellence both on and off the field.

Which brings me back to SheSportTech. In recent years, we've of course seen incredible advancements in sports technology, from wearable performance-trackers to virtual training platforms that revolutionize how athletes prepare. Yet, despite these innovations, there's still a gap when it comes to female representation in the field. 

Female representation in sport technology gives us the ability to address the unique needs and challenges faced by female athletes. From developing equipment designed specifically for women to creating training programs tailored to their physiology, having women at the table means no athlete is left behind.

As my colleague Faith Wheller wrote recently in another article, it's now more important than ever to champion diversity and inclusion in sport technology. By harnessing the power of diverse perspectives, experiences, and backgrounds, we can unlock new opportunities for innovation and advancement.

A SheSportTech’s role model, Sophie O’Connor (CRM Database Manager at Manchester United), knows the contribution women can make across all parts of tech. As she puts it: “Representation is important,” she says, “because as a female you can bring a different way of thinking.”   
 
It’s important to also point out that women’s sport is a massively growing field. According to a recent Deloitte study, revenue generated by women’s elite sports will exceed US$1 billion for the first time in 2024.  And with this increased interest, we need female representation every step of the way. 
 
After all, as the saying goes: if you can see it, you can be it.

How does it work?

Applications are now open for SheSportTech. Committed to diversity, the program is open to all women who are interested in pursuing a career in sport technology. 

• The process is easy and starts with a simple online application form.  
• The deadline for applications is 30 June 2024 at 5pm GMT.  
•  Visit the SheSportTech website to launch your career in sport technology today.

We can’t wait to see what you can do!