Growth for girls in sport

A MULTISPORT program aimed at breaking down barriers and getting girls off the sidelines will take place on the Far North Coast for the first time.

Girls Day Out has been set down for Megan Crescent Oval, Lennox Head on Saturday, March 8.

The day showcases about eight sports in quick succession with participation and support from professional female athletes.

It started in Newcastle in 2020 and has now grown to the point where events are hosted around the state.

Each sport has a professional assigned to it, with players from the AFLW and NRLW usually part of the action.

Girls Day Out founder Kirsten Ansell said research shows there is a 50 per cent drop-off rate in sport participation among girls aged 11–17.

The event aims to combat that by addressing gender equality and issues girls face in sport.

“Our goal is to give girls a safe inclusive space to come and have go at sports they might not have tried, or that they 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 all girls they can make anything possible with hard work and determination.

“Lennox Head is ideal because [of] the beach access where we can walk between there and the sport field.

“We’ve been on the road for a while now and we’re aiming to run 25 events over the next two years.”

Girls aged 5–16 years are invited to try the 45-minute mini sports sessions, which are small and focused, giving young girls a high-energy, fun, taste of sport.

The sports are rugby league, Aussie Rules, netball, soccer, surfing, golf, hockey and rugby sevens.

“It’s fast-paced and it gives the girls a little taste of each sport,” Ansell said.

“Each sport is connected to a professional athlete and the girls will have the chance to meet some of their heroes.

“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.”

Tickets are available at girlsdayout.com.au and cost only $5 per mini clinic.

Despite the forecast, organisers are keen to push ahead with the event.

Visit the Girls Day Out Facebook page for the latest updates.