Motivations and Behavioural Intentions of French Boxing Leaders: Exploring Gender and Retention Factors

French sports federations face mandates to achieve 50% female representation in leadership by 2024 nationally and 2028 regionally. This study investigates motivational factors influencing volunteer leaders' behavioural intentions in the French Boxing Federation, emphasising gender differences. Grounded in Eccles' Expectancy‐Value Theory and Self‐Determination Theory, we surveyed 259 leaders (34.7% women, aged 22–85) and analysed their behavioural intentions using structural equation modelling and multiple linear regression. Findings reveal that self‐perception ( β = 0.217, p < 0.001) and emotional energy ( β = 0.211, p < 0.001) enhance behavioural intentions to stay in function, while amotivation ( β = −0.158, p = 0.006), perceived costs ( β = −0.237, p < 0.001) and secretarial roles ( β = −0.156, p = 0.049) reduce it. Unexpectedly, gender did not significantly influence behavioural intentions ( p = 0.739), suggesting women may be driven by pioneering roles in a male‐dominated field; potentially due to a low response rate and a small female sample. These results highlight the role of intrinsic motivation and emotional engagement in sustaining volunteer leadership. A qualitative follow‐up study is exploring these dynamics further. This research advances vocational behaviour by identifying strategies to bolster volunteer retention and gender equity in sports governance, offering implications for organisational psychology and leadership development.