Over 120 girls from schools across Lambeth came together at Brixton Rec for the launch of “This Girl Can”, a programme designed to encourage girls to participate in sport. The Mayor of Lambeth Saleha Jaffer and cabinet member Jack Hopkins attended.
The emphasis is on fun and co-creation of the activities on offer. It is sport with a difference
“This Girl Can” is a Sport England campaign run by a consortium of Lambeth organisations, including Lambeth council, Sustrans, Big Kid Foundation, Fight4Change, St Matthew’s Project, Streatham Youth and Community Trust (SYCT).
Taster activities included: Cardio Football with BIGKID Foundation; Smash Up! Badminton with SYCT; Street Dance with Fight 4 Change; and, Non-contact Boxing with Fight 4 Change.
London South Bank University is conducting research on the benefits of the programme. Participating schools include Platanos Academy, Evelyn Grace Academy, Archbishop Tenison’s and Harris Academy South Norwood.
Trevor East from Lambeth council said: “The beauty of this programme is that with the right activities and the right approach you can engage young women in sport. Today is testament to that.”
Helen Marasha, development director at BIGKID said: “It’s a privilege being one of the patrons. Look at the girls’ response – they’re enjoying it, getting active and making new friends. That’s what it’s all about.”
Angie Foran, SYCT added: “Girls can influence what is being delivered. A community sports activater talk to the girls and then puts together a programme that runs either in the school or in our youth centre.
The grant for the programme comes from Sport England and runs for three years.
