HUNDREDS of girls across Malvern Hills District got involved in a new campaign to increase their participation in sport, mental health and wellbeing.
The ‘This Worcs Girl Can’ campaign ran between February 29 to March 6 provided a week’s worth of activities for those involved and has been hailed by council chiefs a huge success.
Sports clubs across the district promoted their offering at a number of events held at four secondary schools – The Chase, Dyson Perrins, Tenbury Ormiston Academy and The Chantry.
More than 60 free taster sessions were put on throughout the week with sailing, archery and American Football amongst the sports available for the girls to try.
Youngsters also took part in the mass Zumba and CrikFit sessions held across the four schools which encourgaed them to take up a new sport.
And as a result of the campaign, Welland Ladies Football Club has reported an increase of 13 new girls to their sessions.
In support of ‘This Worcs Girl Can’, Freedom leisure offered women and girls aged 11 and over free swimming sessions and the use of the gym or indoor cycling equipment at their local district leisure centre.
Malvern Hills District Council, in partnership with Freedom Leisure, is also currently delivering six weeks of discounted Sportivate Dance Fit as Sport Dyson Perrins.
Coun David Watkins, portfolio holder for healthier communities on the council, said: “It is excellent to see so many young girls getting involved and being inspired to try new activities.
“I look forward to hearing more feedback from the clubs and the impact the campaign has had on sport participation.”
The ‘This Worcs Girl Can’ campaign aimed to build on the successful national Sprot England ‘This Girl Can’ scheme and encourage more women to get involved in sport to develop skills, social networks and general wellbeing.
Action for Children ran the campaign, supported by Malvern Hills District Council and Sports Partnership Herefordshire and Worcestershire, among others.
