Girls Day Out – Women in Sport program is excited to be returning to Muswellbrook after a successful event last year. Olympic Park will host Muswellbrook’s event on Saturday 22nd of February, giving local girls the chance to try out new sports while being inspired by top female athletes.
Girls aged 5-16 are invited to Olympic Park to try our 45-minute mini clinics, which are small and focused, giving young girls a high energy, fun taste of sports including Rugby League, AFL, Rugby Union, Cheerleading and Soccer.
The day offers a rare chance to spend time learning from top female athletes including NRLW and State of Origin player Brydie Parker and NRLW player Leah Ollerton, Sydney Swans AFLW academy players and Sydney Swans former co-captain Lauren Szgetit. Rugby Union will be represented Newcastle Wild Fires player Sachi Cowen and Holly Ford. Former Matilda, young Matilda, and Newcastle Jets capital Gema Simon will join us alongside Newcastle Olympic NPL first grade women. Bri Ritchie, Australian cheer coach will be facilitating our cheer sessions.
“Our goal is to give girls a go at sports they might not have tried or want to learn more about – it might even become their new love. Having our inspiring female athletes run the sports sessions helps show all girls they can make anything possible with determination and passion,” said Girls Day Out Founder Kirsten Ansell.
Research shows there is a 50 per cent drop off rate in sport participation among girls aged 11-17 years. Through participation in the Girls Day Out program we have seen an increase of over 50% of local girls, going on to register to play sports with local sports clubs in the community.
“Too often girls sit on the sideline watching these inspiring athletes play a game of footy or soccer. Girls Day Out gives rare opportunities to be there in the moment, passing a ball, sharing a laugh, hi 5’ing their sporting hero and building relationships. These precious moments can inspire, create passion and shape dreams,” Kirsten said.
We are excited to receive federal funding through the Play our Way grant, which will see the GDO team take our event on the road and across NSW, giving us opportunities to work towards breaking down barriers for girls in sport. In addition, through the Play our Way funding, we will offer “All Abilities Inclusive” events and some of our locations, providing girls with disabilities equal opportunities to join our day and try new sports
We will bring high level professional female athletes to events, giving girls particularly in regional remote areas access to mentoring and role models, alongside the wide range of sports we will offer for all girls to come and try.
“We want girls to see these extraordinary athletes are normal humans like you and I, who have achieved their goals through hard work and determination,” Kirsten said.
“This is all about providing the space for our young girls to see their own dreams are possible and achievable. Being with women who have made it happen can show them anything really is possible when you back yourself to have a go.”
“If you can see it, you can be it… “ Billie Jean King
Tickets are available at girlsdayout.com.au and cost only $5 per sports session and include a tote bag at registration, filled with goodies from our sponsors.
Register for Girls Day Out in Muswellbrook here.
(story supplied)
