Her Sport Her Way Think Tanks

Keep Girls in Sport - 14 December 2021

Despite the extensive benefits of sport participation, adolescent girls consistently participate at lower rates, are more likely to drop out, and report worse sport experiences compared to boys. Recent data indicates that COVID-19 has negatively impacted girls’ mental health and motivation to participate in sport.

This Think Tank explored innovative ways to increase the participation of adolescent girls in sport, both on and off the field.  The Think Tank examined the latest market insights and research, explored how to reduce the barriers that girls experience and showcased promising initiatives.

The program included a youth panel hosted by ABC presenter, author and podcaster Marlee Silva; the latest tips on how to communicate to adolescent girls from Justine Cusack, Modibodi; promising programs from Netball and Water Polo; and a summary of the latest research compiled by the SPRINTER Group.

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Promising Programs featured at the Think Tank
 

‘How I Roll’ – Mick Garnett, CEO Wheelchair Sports NSW

The HOW I ROLL campaign in 2020 was a transformational project designed to raise awareness of female role models within wheelchair sport. Featuring a mix of Paralympians and emerging athletes, HOW I ROLL included a song performed by Australian singing sensation Casey Donovan, along with a music video Directed by Simon ‘Mo’ Macrae. HOW I ROLL achieved national broadcast media coverage across TV, radio and online, with 100,000 views of the music video in the first week after launch.
 

‘Girls Making Waves’ – Suzanne Ramke, Vice President Water Polo NSW

Girls Making Waves is aimed at 7-12 year old girls in regional and metro NSW - providing a  wonderful opportunity to come and try water polo, splash around in inflatable tubes and have fun while gaining confidence from ambassadors Mel and Bec Rippon, who are sharing their love of the game with a new generation of girls.
 

‘Female Multicultural Engagement Program’ – David Thompson, CEO Hockey NSW

Hockey is committed to increasing diversity and inclusion across the sport and has piloted several multicultural engagement programs targeting females from CALD communities. The Female Multicultural Engagement Program involves female multicultural ambassadors, community trial events, targeted schools program, and multicultural media and promotions.

‘Sheroes’ – Nikita Sayle, Participation Programs Manager Tennis NSW; ‘Next Gen Female Gymnastics Leaders’ – Alex Bellamy, Club & Regional Development Coordinator Gymnastics NSW

Next Gen Female Gymnastics Leaders targets 30 future female business leaders of the sport engaged in a year-long education program including bi-monthly professional development training around core business and governance functions, as well as best practice approaches to sport management.

Sheroes is designed to increase the number of women volunteers in tennis through support, networking and providing leadership opportunities. Through this program a network of empowered women in leadership positions become role models for the next generation of young girls.
 

‘Her Wave’ Claire Ellem, Program Manager Surfing NSW; Rachel Shriever, Program Coordinator Surfing NSW

Her Wave works to build a more joyful and inclusive women’s surf culture in NSW by providing increased access to surfing; engaging with new untouched surfing markets; connecting communities; increasing female leaders and developing current leaders in and out of the water; and celebrating success.
 

‘Building Inclusive Clubs Roadshow’ – Annelise Rosnell, Female Participation & Inclusion Officer NNSWF

The Building Inclusive Clubs Roadshow aims to raise awareness of the different environments that are needed for women and girls to thrive in the sport of football and shine a light on current operations that could be contributing to barriers. Through education and awareness, Member Zones will be equipped to build an inclusive sport culture.
 

Her Sport Her Way Think Tank Session Video – Tuesday 23 March 2021