After winning the Engaging Women and Girls Award in our 2023, Wye Gymnastics and Galaxy Cheerleading have continued to develop and deliver their impactful work in ethnically diverse communities – earning them this year’s Mental Health and Wellbeing Award.
Caldicot-based Wye Gymnastics and Galaxy Cheerleading (WGGC) deliver 71 sessions each week for more than 1,400 participants. Their aim is to be an integral part of the local community, recognising the power of gymnastics as a vehicle for social change.
The club have been delivering sessions for Muslim girls within the local community for a number of years, ensuring cultural sensitivity by creating safe, welcoming, and inclusive environments. 2024 saw them replicate this programme in a new location in South Wales, creating the opportunity for more girls from underrepresented backgrounds to participate in physical activity. This approach instils confidence and a sense of belonging in participants, as well as nurturing physical health.
WGGC have also continued to increase their provision in low-income areas, including running new sessions in Pillgwenlly since January 2024. Recognising the financial barriers faced by many families within this area, their bursary scheme ensures that access to gymnastics and cheerleading is not limited by socio-economic status – giving all young people an opportunity to thrive.
WGGC have also developed a successful Young Leaders Academy, which empowers girls aged 12 and above by offering volunteering and Continuing Professional Development (CPD) opportunities. This programme focusses on leadership skills, coaching qualifications, and personal growth, allowing young women to become role models within their communities. With 25 Young Leaders currently enrolled in the programme, this investment in youth leadership not only helps participants to develop lifelong skills but also ensures a sustainable pipeline of future leaders and mentors in the field of sports and beyond.
WGGC’s work is a testament to the power of sports in bridging divides and boosting not only physical, but also mental wellbeing, with all of their programmes having a ripple effect throughout the local communities in which they are run. By engaging participants in positive, structured activity, they are playing a vital role in promoting positive mental health, reducing social isolation and encouraging aspirations among participants.
Find out more about the StreetGames Sport for Development Awards 2024.
