Sport Aberdeen has relaunched a city-wide initiative to encourage more female participation in sport and physical activity.
The Active Girls Committee, first launched in 2016, has been revitalised by Sport Aberdeen Active Schools following increased interest from young women and girls across Aberdeen City secondary schools.
The group’s main aim is to reduce the inequality gap between girls and boy’s participation in sport and physical activity, levelling the playing field for everyone.
The newly re-established committee will work with local sports clubs and activities to inspire more young girls to get involved in sport. Leadership opportunities are also a key focus for the group to increase female leadership within school sport.
A dedicated event was held recently at the Linx Ice Area attracting 22 girls from nine secondary schools including Aberdeen Grammar, Bridge of Don, Bucksburn, Cults, Dyce, Harlaw, Northfield, Oldmachar and St Machar.
Among the topics up for discussion on the day were matters such as ‘what can be done to increase female participation across Aberdeen City?’ and ‘what are some of the barriers and solutions to participation?’
All participants were given a Goal Planner that they completed with reps from their school to gather ideas to kick off the committee goals for the year ahead. Some of the positive feedback from the girls attending the event included, “I liked being encouraged and knowing that we can help other girls with their confidence”; “I like giving my opinion and feeling welcome” and “I learnt that I can make a big impact in my school to help girls in sport.”
Sarah Fraser, Lead Active Schools Coordinator, Sport Aberdeen, who has played a key role in reinstating the group, said: “The relaunch of the Active Girls Committee was a huge success, and we were really pleased with the turnout. We had lots of fantastic discussion on barriers to participation and creative thinking on how to increase female participation in schools.”
The fresh start for the Active Girls Committee coincides with Women & Girls in Sport Month highlighting female athletes, coaches and leaders while promoting increased participation and removing barriers.
Sport Aberdeen, through its Active Schools team, is running a series of multi-sport sessions throughout March including tennis and badminton, football, dance, volleyball and netball, at schools across the city.
For more information about Active Schools, visit www.sportaberdeen.co.uk/activities/active-schools