Schools from across Herefordshire have taken part in roller skating, netfit, yoga and more as part of the Here Girls Can Festival.
More than 100 pupils from 13 schools from across the county descended on the Foley Trading Estate last Friday (March 25) for the first activity festival of its kind.
The festival forms part of the localised version of the national This Girl Can campaign, to get women and girls active, regardless of their shape, ability or what they look like.
It comes at a time when, post-pandemic, getting active is more important than ever for children and young people’s mental and physical wellbeing.
Schools got involved with a range of wacky activities including a mass-dance warm up, courtesy of The Starlight Company, yoga at the Hereford Yoga Centre, netfit, roller skating and functional fitness, delivered by The Core and Bull Functional Fitness.
Aiming to tackle taboo subjects surrounding female participation in sport and physical activity, ‘Girl Talk’ sessions also formed part of the day, featuring topics such as gender stereotypes and the impact of the menstrual cycle.
The festival was supported by 13 Here Girls Can Champions from St Mary’s RC High School, who led ‘Girl Talk’ sessions, supported activity delivery, and provided encouragement to younger pupils.
The campaign, led by Active Herefordshire and Worcestershire and delivered in partnership with Stride Active, aims to positively affect health and wellbeing, improving confidence and self-esteem, encouraging increased and long-term participation in sport and physical activity.
Stephen Brewster, CEO of Active Herefordshire and Worcestershire, said: “Physical activity participation among women and girls remains a priority.
“We know that girls are less likely to be active than boys, and girls, in particular, may experience a fear of judgement within physical activity. There are also growing concerns over mental health problems experienced by teenage girls.
“We know that sport and physical activity can be a valuable tool for supporting wellbeing, helping reduce stress, increase self-esteem and reduce the risk of depression and anxiety.”
Beky Williams, managing director at Stride Active, added: “Through Here Girls Can, we wanted to show girls and schools that you can be active in so many different ways and that there really can be something for everyone.”
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