AoC Sport supports This Girl Can Week to inspire women to return to activity after lockdown

After a year of disruption and women’s activity levels decreasing, the This Girl Can campaign is encouraging all women to take time out to get active with a dedicated ‘This Girl Can Week’ from 12-19 June. The week comes following Sport England’s research which shows that women have particularly struggled to maintain their activity habits during the coronavirus pandemic. Further data shows that women are less likely to return to activity than men, with the most prevalent barriers including not feeling fit enough, childcare responsibilities and worries about COVID-19. With the message of ‘it’s time to choose you’ in mind, the week is about putting the spotlight on women and exercise, celebrating how getting active can make women feel happier, stronger, and free. Whether they choose to do a brisk walk, a slow run, a trip to the pool or dance round the living room with friends – it all counts. AoC Sport will be supporting the week by promoting the work of our This Girl Can Ambassadors. We are also encouraging colleges to promote any female-specific activities they have planned and ensure they use the hashtag #ThisGirlCan. This Girl Can will be sharing stories on social media, suggesting activities, and stimulating discussions throughout the week, helping to support women to get involved in physical activity at their own pace, regardless of fitness levels or ability. Kate Dale, This Girl Can Campaign Lead, said: “We know that the last year has been especially difficult for women when it comes to doing something for themselves, particularly when it comes to getting physically active. “The work we do through This Girl Can aims to frame exercise in a way that highlights each and every benefit we can all get from moving more, like feeling healthier, better mental and emotional health, flexibility, building strength and – most importantly – having fun. "Through our first-ever This Girl Can Week, we want to help inspire and encourage women to become more active while showcasing the many fantastic ways they can do so. No matter your shape, size or ability, now is the time to choose you and celebrate moving your body in whatever way makes you feel good.”

Examples of work by the This Girl Can Ambassadors in colleges

The This Girl Can Ambassadors at Havant & South Downs College created a This Girl Can You Can campaign using brilliantly designed posters and social media assets to promote their in-person sessions just for girls in their colleges encouraging females to come along ‘no matter of shapes, sizes abilities and backgrounds.’ The This Girl Can team from Joseph Chamberlain College worked collaboratively with the JCC Mental Health Ambassador, Inclusion Ambassador and Student Council for the college’s Wellbeing Week. They promoted sporty and non-sporty activities throughout the week, especially to their female peers. The activities included a smoothie bike, badminton, basketball, wellbeing journals, Mehndi, a forest of thoughts and indoor rowing.