Sheffield and Rotherham have been selected to pilot a new collaborative project, the ‘Big Sister’ project, aimed at engaging girls into sport and exercise.
Big Sister, led by Women in Sport, working with Hey Girls, Places Foundation and not-for-profit leisure provider Places Leisure, aims to break down the deep seated barriers that teenage girls face in leading healthy, happy and active lives by creating a supportive network of ‘Big Sisters’.
The programme will help girls aged 9-15 years old feel ‘sport ready’ by offering free girl-focused exercise sessions, 6-month gym memberships (unlimited gym and swim) and access to the award-winning Places Locker fitness app. There will also be free reusable period products, resource packs and a range of digital resources to help girls feel confident enough to take part in sport. The project will also recruit a network of ‘big sisters’ – peer leaders and supporters from sport, school and community organisations whilst sport leaders will be trained on the emotional and physical barriers girls face.
Participating leisure centres are:
- Graves Health and Sports Centre, Sheffield
- Wisewood Sports Centre, Sheffield
- Thorncliffe Health and Sports Centre, Sheffield
- Maltby Leisure Centre
- Aston-Cum-Aughton Leisure Centre, Sheffield
- Rotherham Leisure Complex
- Wath Upon Dearne Leisure Centre
Rotherham’s teen gym classes run Monday through Friday from 16:15-17:15 and Saturday and Sunday 10:30-12:30.
The We Move instructor led classes are running on Thursdays from 16:00-16:30 for 9-12 year olds and 16:30-17:00 for 13-15 year olds.
To find out more information and to sign up, scan the QR code on the attached leaflet or use the web address: www.placesleisure.org/big-sister-project.
Please note that a parent/Guardian must attend the sign up session to complete relevant paperwork.
