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More than 100 girls from four city schools have taken part in a day which was shaped – and partly led – by themselves.
Girls from City of Derby Academy, The Bemrose School, Derby Moor Academy and Djanogly City Academy took part in the Girls Active School Games Event, where activities included basketball, benchball, liveball and dance.
Each of the activities was delivered by a group of young leaders from each of the schools, who first led the activity to participants from their own school, and then to participants from each of the other schools.
The young leaders had all chosen their own activity to prepare and lead, supported by Girls Active ambassadors who had been working with the leaders in their own schools in the lead up to the event.
The event was part of work to inspire and empower girls from the participating schools to help shape a PE, sport and physical activity offer that is suitable for all by understanding the motivations and barriers of their peers, and positively influencing their physical activity choices. Each school has established a Girls Leadership and Marketing Squad (GLAM) of around ten girls, and whilst on the journey they have developed their own skills to lead, encourage and empathise, as well developing the confidence and ability to stand in front of peers and deliver a session. This event gave the leaders the opportunity to showcase these skills and how far they have come.
Each school was invited to bring their GLAMS, along with girls who they felt the experience would positively influence their behaviours and attitudes towards physical activity.
The leaders had also created their own awards categories to present to some of the participants and fellow leaders. These included awards for being a Positive Vibe Qween, Slay Mama, Hype Gal, Boss Qween, and On Fleek, as well as a This Girl Can Award.
All of the girls also got to try some new activities in the afternoon, taking part in a Music of Black Origin Dance Mashup, KinBall and Drumba, as well as a self-esteem workshop.
After taking part in the event, leaders and participants said they felt more positive about their ability to work as part of a team, and also had increased self-belief, resilience and body confidence.
Feedback from the day has been positive, with comments including: “I enjoyed how the dancing let me be who I was. And the drums let me release all my anger. It was absolutely amazing and I loved it. It really helped with my mental health and how I felt today.”
The event was held at Nottingham Trent University’s Clifton Campus. Active Derbyshire and Active Notts are working with the Youth Sport Trust to deliver the Girls Active programme in Derby and Nottingham, with a focus on enabling children to have positive experiences of being active throughout their childhood, and working with people and communities who experience the greatest inequality.
