Initial findings from the Active Women project published by Sport England suggest the key to successful recruitment of women into physical activity is to base it on fun while addressing common concerns, such as self-consciousness about fitness, weight or sporting ability.
Scottish Sports Futures (SSF) Shell Twilight Basketball programme have successfully recruited girls and young women through; having public launch events, where women and girls can meet coaches and see what an activity session looks like. They are offered personal follow-up from coaches and a dedicated Youth Development Coordinator. By encouraging existing participants to bring a friend and ongoing promotion across communities, using a variety of media with female friendly publicity all designed by girls involved in the programme.
On Saturday, girls from across Scotland arrived at Woodbank House in Aberdeen to tip off the first ever Shell Twilight Basketball Girls Tournament. The day comprised of thrilling basketball games and fun activities surrounding body image and self-esteem. The event provided a really positive environment for young girls to feel confident participating in sport, discussing their opinions around difficult topics and meeting other girls who share the same interests as they do.
Shell’s Communications & Social Performance Advisor, John Raine commented on the initiative; “Shell Twilight Basketball is an exciting initiative that is making a real contribution to social inclusion by giving young people the opportunity to make a number of positive choices for their futures while having fun and learning vital skills. We are delighted to be able to work with Scottish Sports Futures, the Scottish Government and The Glasgow Rocks in delivering this programme”.
Shell Twilight Basketball is supported by title sponsors Shell and the Scottish Government’s CashBack for Communities, which takes funds recovered from the proceeds of crime and invests them into free activities and programmes for young people across Scotland as well as Children in Need.
For more information on Shell Twilight Basketball and all Scottish Sports Futures activity please visit our website www.scottishsportsfutures.org.uk.