Caldicot-based Wye Gymnastics & Galaxy Cheerleading are the winners of StreetGames’ coveted Engaging Women and Girls Award.
The award celebrates individuals and groups that have positively engaged with women and girls to increase and sustain participation in sport and physical activity.
In 2020, sports clubs across the country faced many challenges after being forced to close their doors for extended periods during the pandemic. Some were able to reopen, but a small gymnastics club (Fantastic Gymnastics) who offered girls-only gym sessions found themselves unable to do so. Wye Gymnastics & Galaxy Cheerleading’s management committee met with the lead coach of Fantastic Gymnastics and together devised a plan to reopen and deliver gymnastics to the diverse communities of Butetown.
Since reopening in March 2022, the club has gone from strength to strength and has had over 150 girls from a variety of backgrounds taking part. The club introduced the national Fit and Fed programme during the summer of 2023 and engaged 92 girls to attend free multi sports activities with a free hot meal during the summer break. The club has recently employed five women from the local community and introduced a Young Leaders Academy, providing opportunities for girls aged 12 to volunteer within sessions and take part in training opportunities, all while building their confidence and becoming role models for other young girls to look up to.
Additionally, the club has facilitated a women’s coaching course and invested in new equipment for the venue. It is remarkable to see so many women and girls from the BME community come together to enjoy getting fit and active in a safe, female only environment.
Mark Lawrie, Chief Executive of StreetGames, says:
“Supporting women and girls from ethnically diverse communities into engaging activities is really important, and Wye Gymnastics & Galaxy Cheerleading has many amazing achievements to be proud of following a challenging time. The club stepped up and supported the members of Fantastic Gymnastics to ensure they could continue to engage in sporting activities within a safe space, along with expanding their offering to the wider community which has ensured that more young women and girls have the opportunities to engage in sports and activities.”
