A timely and defiant manifesto unpacking the past, present and future of women's sport, from the Olympic gold medal-winning founder of The [Female] Athlete Project.

'A must-read'-Laura Henshaw

'A brilliant argument in favour of the case for women's sport'-Liz Ellis

When Chloe Dalton was eight years old, she would practise her goal kicks in the half-time break of her brothers' rugby matches, all the while telling impressed onlookers: 'Girls don't play rugby.'

Sixteen years later, Chloe Dalton won Olympic gold playing rugby sevens for Australia and is now a fixture in the AFLW. In 2020, she started her own news platform, The [Female] Athlete Project, because while she was surrounded by women achieving incredible things in sport, nobody was hearing about them.

This book shines a light on the interlinked quagmires of respect, opportunity, representation and pay that continue to stall the progress of women's teams around the world.

Girls Don't Play Sport is a fierce manifesto advocating for female athletes at all levels. It explores how we got to this point and asks where we need to go next to embrace the untapped potential of women's sport.

'Captivating, empowering and relatable . . . a must-read.'-Ellie Cole

'Chloe's tireless commitment to sharing female athletes' unique stories and struggles is inspiring.'-Tayla Harris

'For too long, female sport has been undervalued and under-resourced. But the tide is turning, and the message this book presents is clear: ignore us at your own peril.'-Cate Campbell

About the Author
Chloe Dalton is one of Australia's few triple sport elite athletes. During a 2020 lockdown, Chloe created a platform to recognise and celebrate the stories and achievements of female athletes, in an attempt to address the gender inequalities that exist within the sports media space. The [female] athlete project is now the fastest growing women's sport platform in the country. Chloe was awarded a Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) in 2017, and in 2021 was recognised at the 'Her Sport Her Way' Awards alongside Casey Dellacqua with the Champion Award, for her outstanding achievements and her commitment to furthering opportunities for women and girls to participate in sport.Chloe currently plays AFLW with the GWS Giants in her hometown of Sydney and works part-time with the Giants media team.

Reviews
'An enthralling read about the trajectory of women's sport in modern society. The story told by Chloe shows how she is as accomplished on the field(s) as she is passionate about the continuous push to progress female athletes in Australian sport.'
Ellyse Perry


'An incredibly important insight into the history and current reality for women playing sport-a must-read.'
Laura Henshaw


'Gripping, groundbreaking and essential reading. You'll want to read this with a highlighter handy, I had so many "a-ha" moments while reading this. For too long female sport has been undervalued and under-resourced. But the tide is turning, and the message this book presents is clear: ignore us at your own peril.'
Cate Campbell


'Girls Don't Play Sport is an achievement by Chloe Dalton that is incredibly captivating, empowering and relatable. Her passion and ability to bring the stories of female athletes to life make this book a must-read. It is a testament to the strength and determination of women who have defied societal expectations and left an indelible mark on the world of sports.'
Ellie Cole


'A brilliant argument in favour of the case for women's sport.'
Liz Ellis


'Chloe's tireless commitment to sharing female athletes' unique stories and struggles is inspiring.'
Tayla Harris














Book Information
ISBN 9781761068751
Author Chloe Dalton
Format Paperback
Page Count 250
Imprint Allen & Unwin
Publisher Allen & Unwin
Weight(grams) 265g
Dimensions(mm) 235mm * 155mm * 16mm