Girls Takeover is a transformative initiative that is empowering girls to become more confident, active, and engaged in their communities.
Girls Takeover is a bespoke programme designed for girls aged 11-18 in Newport, providing them with the opportunity to access fitness settings they might not feel confident attending alone. The programme introduces girls to a variety of fitness environments, such as gyms and fitness classes, helping them build confidence and competence. Activities on offer include group classes like Zumba, Spin, Pilates and circuits, allowing participants to become familiar with different fitness instructors and class formats. By creating a comfortable, supportive atmosphere, the programme helps girls to feel less intimidated when attending fitness classes in the future.
Alongside gym-based sessions, other activities of offer have included swimming, football, netball, badminton, arts and crafts, and “chill and chat” sessions, where participants can relax, colour, play board games, and build relationships. The programme has had a significant impact on social connections among participants, with many girls reporting a stronger support network in school as they now know more people with shared interests.
Girls Takeover also serves as a platform for personal growth. The programme helps to identify and engage female volunteers, providing them with training and leadership opportunities to help them develop key life and transferrable skills. Some participants have become ambassadors for Newport Live, helping to promote health and fitness within their communities.
The success of the programme is rooted in its responsiveness to participant feedback. While the first session had only three participants, recent events have seen attendance rise to 34 – with a total of 367 girls engaged over 17 sessions.
Feedback from both participants and their parents has been overwhelmingly positive; girls report enjoying the variety of activities and the supportive, non-judgmental environment, whilst parents appreciate the opportunity for their daughters to engage in physical activity in a safe and encouraging space.
Find out more about the StreetGames Sport for Development Awards 2024.
