Big Sisters help teen girls break sport barriers

THANKS to an initiative launched by a borough leisure group more girls can now enjoy sport.

Places Leisure’s Big Sister project for girls aged nine to 15 aims to help them feel ‘sport ready’, supported by Big Sister role models and free gym membership.

The Big Sisters are peer leaders and supporters from sport, school and community organisations, and are trained on the emotional and physical barriers girls face during puberty.

Sarah Roberts, head of fitness at Places Leisure, said: “We have learnt so much about preconceptions and barriers in place when looking to engage girls going through puberty into activity.

“Inequality also remains huge for women in sport and we want to do all we can to break these barriers down at an early age, to make sure girls feel comfortable and confident in places of exercise.

“The Big Sister project is game-changing.

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“We will support girls with their own local ambassador who will champion the benefits and enjoyment of sport, exercise and physical activity, and help them to make it a part of their life.

“Crucially, the programme is shaped by girls for girls, and provides those we support with real role models who have faced the same challenges they do.

“As part of the project, the package we offer includes free or half-price Places Leisure memberships.

“These give the girls access to junior gym sessions, swimming, We Move classes exclusively for girls, and the Places Leisure Virtual Studio, at such an important time of their life.”

Women in Sport research found that six in 10 girls say judgement from others stops them from being active, and 43% of those who once considered themselves sporty fell out of love with sport in their teens.

In 2022, Places Leisure partnered with Women in Sport to launch the Big Sister project in 11 of its leisure centres.

Women in Sport research shows that since then 64% of girls who engaged in the project now enjoy taking part in sport and exercise more, and 62% said their overall confidence has improved.

Stephanie Hilborne OBE, Women in Sport CEO said: “Thanks to the commitment and dedication of Places Leisure, thousands of girls across the UK will have the opportunity to access gyms, pools and sport while being properly supported to do so.

“Big Sister has debunked the myth that teenage girls are naturally averse to exercise.

“We are currently experiencing a mental health crisis among our teenage girls, and we know exercise can be a powerful remedy.

“There has never been a more crucial time to encourage girls to get active.”

The Big Sister project has now been rolled out at the following Places Leisure sites within the Wokingham Borough:

Wokingham Leisure Centre, Loddon Valley Leisure Centre, Bulmershe Leisure Centre, Arborfield Green Leisure Centre, and Ryeish Green Sports Hub

As part of the programme, the above centres are working with The Cowshed, an organisation providing support to individuals and families in times of crisis.

Becky Russell, operations manager at The Cowshed said: “We are delighted to be working with Places Leisure to support young girls by providing them with free period products.

This partnership is a significant step towards ensuring that every girl can participate in sports without any barriers.”

Places Leisure membership is free for eligible girls aged nine to 15, and half price for all other girls.

It includes unlimited gym use during Junior Gym hours, which includes a one to one gym induction (for 11-15 year olds), unlimited swimming, age-appropriate group workout classes including We Move classes, a friendly on-site team, and free access to the Places Leisure App and Virtual Studio which includes a Big Sister channel.