GIRLS ALLOWED
The Pitch
Problem statement
By age 14, many girls are dropping out of sports at two times the rate of boys. Through more than 25 years of research, the Women’s Sports Foundation has identified key factors which contribute to this alarming statistic. For girls & women, the relationship between body image and physical inactivity is a vicious circle; the more self-conscious they feel about their bodies, the less likely they are to take part in sport, and yet participation in sport has a positive effect on girls’ perceptions of their bodies. Self-confidence is also linked to competition. Although most sportswomen enjoy the competitive element of sport, many girls & women are turned off from sport because it is competitive
Solution
When referring to growth in confidence, the Girls Allowed delivery practice is based on the open step from Goldsmiths University of London. This includes practising self-care, building positive relationships, working on a growth mind-set (supported by coach reinforcement). Participants will get to participate in a minimum of 8 different activities, with full autonomy in ‘self-finding and exploring’ to keep active. Participant feedback has supported self-exploration & resulted in continuous practical engagement. Educational workshops include breast health & bra fitting to ensure breasts are supported correctly.
Why are we best placed to deliver?
We have been delivering this programme and scaling incrementally since 2010 whilst delivering in local secondary schools (Westminster Academy). We have consulted girls from across London to fine tune delivery and including physical activities that girls enjoy doing (both team/individual sports). We have delivered to over 1000 Girls last summer alone and have a consistent sign up of old and new participants. We have completed recent CPD across our team alongside brands including Nike and Dove to keep girls active and mentally engaged in delivery. We have create a safe space where girls from across London (and afar) feel comfortable in attending, being active and making new friends.
Focus Areas
Delivery plan
Budget breakdown
| Girls Allowed Facilitators: 1,850 Programme Coordinator: £500 Administration 300 Marketing/Promotion/Recruitment: 200 Equipment/Apparel Pro Bono Sponsorship 6,500 [Secured] | £2,850 |
| Facility Space Hire (Active Westminster Discount) 400 Sports Equipment: 550 Videographer/Photographer 250 Refreshments 600 Transport 100 Volunteer expenses 250 | £2,150 |
Beneficiaries
200 people
Who will benefit
Expected impact
Girls Allowed will help facilitate engagement of young girls both locally and regionally. Creating a safe space for learning and building up characteristics and life skills such as:Increased Confidence Increase physical literacy Community building Every young person try’s a new activity Build friendships Breast and bra health This will help reduce obesity rates and improve mortality age gaps across borough.This will also support other local provision by signposting to regular activities girls can participate in freely.