Chance to learn from professional athletes at all-girls sport event

AN all-girls event is set to return to the region, aimed at introducing young participants to a wide range of sports traditionally dominated by males.

Girls Day Out will be held at the Lake Ainsworth Sport and Recreation Centre at Lennox Head on Saturday, February 14.

Participants aged five to 16 are invited to register for a series of 45-minute mini sports sessions.

This year’s program includes Aussie rules, golf, hockey, skateboarding, surfing, soccer, rugby league and rugby union.

It is supported by government funding in the Play Our Way program and brings high-level professional female athletes to regional areas to take part in the day.

Gold Coast Titans player Georgia Grey will attend the event, alongside Sydney Swans representatives Holly Cooper and Ally Morphett.

Girls Day Out founder Kirsten Ansell said research shows there is a 50 per cent drop-off in sport participation among girls aged 11 to 17, which the event aims to address.

“Our goal is to give girls a safe, inclusive space to come and have a go at sports they might not have tried before, or want to learn more about, particularly male-dominated sports,” she said.

“Inviting inspiring female athletes to join in alongside girls in the mini sessions shows them that anything is possible with hard work and determination.

 

“This is all about providing the space for our young girls to see that their dreams are possible and achievable.

“Being with women who have made it happen can show them that anything really is possible when you back yourself to have a go.”

All sports on the day will also have a professional female athlete assigned to assist participants.

This year’s event will include smaller group sessions for girls with disabilities who require more one-on-one coaching.

Hockey and skateboarding are new additions to the program after the event was held in the region for the first time last year.

Lennox Head is one of the only regional events to offer surfing, while the skateboarding sessions will feature an inflatable set-up.

“Bringing in all abilities is another big part of the event this time and we’ve had some great feedback from parents,” Ansell said.

“It’s all about introducing girls to something new and helping them learn more about a sport they might have had an interest in but weren’t sure where to start.”

Tickets are available at girlsdayout.com.au.