A major new initiative aimed at getting girls living in Caerphilly County Borough more involved in sport has been launched by charity StreetGames.
Just 35% of young people living in deprived areas are playing sport three or more times a week, and for girls the problem is worse.
The Us Girls launch, by StreetGames, is working with Communities First to engage girls who have low attendance in school, and who don’t take part in PE on a regular basis.
A referral process with emergency housing, Families First, the youth service, and pupils educated outside of school has been established to identify girls who would benefit from being part of the campaign.
At an Us Girls taster session, participants were able to try table tennis, hair and beauty, and dance as well as discuss what other activities they would like to do, where and when.
The event was supported by Non Evans MBE, who has played 87 times for the Welsh Women’s rugby team and is recognised as the all-time leading points scorer not just in Wales but around the world.
Ms Evans said: “It was a pleasure to be invited to the Us Girls launch in Caerphilly.
To motivate young females to see their potential and be the best they can be for themselves is what I believe in.
“Hard work, dedication, and commitment are all words that sum up my career throughout the years, to help me realise my goals, and I hope I have inspired the young girls to do the same in whatever they choose to do.”
The programme is being led by Jess Morgan, who joined StreetGames from ChwaraeTeg where she worked with young people across Wales to create gender aware learning environments and challenge gender stereotypes.
Miss Morgan said: “This is a very important campaign as there is a huge need to get girls within Caerphilly Borough who are currently non-active or semi-active to engage and reap the rewards of what physical exercise can deliver.
“It’s not just about increasing fitness and improving health, but giving girls opportunities they wouldn’t have had and increasing their confidence and self-esteem.
“We have set ourselves tough and robust targets and we simply have to meet these over the coming 18 months.
“I am very confident that with the support of our partners we can have a crucial and lasting impact on girls throughout the Caerphilly Borough and correct some of the gender inequality that currently exists.”