NewVIc Sixth Form students lead project to increase female participation in sport
As part of the Association of Colleges ‘This Girl Can’ programme, five NewVIc student sports ambassadors, Sofiat, Awadh, Kadeeshia, Muhammad and Jeremy are leading an exciting project to engage underrepresented groups in sports.
As part of the Association of Colleges ‘This Girl Can’ programme, five NewVIc student sports ambassadors, Sofiat, Awadh, Kadeeshia, Muhammad and Jeremy are leading an exciting project to engage underrepresented groups in sports.
Colleges across the country competed for funding from the Association of Colleges (AoC) to create innovative projects to boost student participation in physical activity, with an emphasis on reaching groups, such as female students from minority groups.
NewVIc Sixth Form, now part of Newham College London, is proud to be one of ten successful institutions selected to receive ‘This Girl Can’ funding.
Sports Academy Manager, Katie Harris who organised the project commented:
“Our ‘This Girl Can’ Student Ambassadors have not wasted any time in designing their project! They have designed a loyalty card which students take along to activities to encourage other girls to try a new physical activity - alongside having fun, and meeting new people. Every time a student attends an activity, their card is stamped and once a student earns six stamps, they receive a voucher to get a free drink from a coffee shop on campus.
This initiative is an exciting step towards breaking down barriers to physical activity; providing a space where students can become active and also feel included and supported. To develop their leadership skills, our ambassadors have attended training events led by the AoC at Twickenham Stadium, the home of Rugby! This experience has enabled our students to develop essential skills which will set them up for success in university, the workplace and life.
I look forward to seeing the positive impact this project will have on our students.”
Kadeeshia, Level 2 Travel & Tourism student, said:
“The AoC leadership training really helped me to understand the importance of encouraging females to get involved in sports as much as our male counterparts. How the issue is handled, dealt with and promoted is really important.Due to the leadership training, I am a stronger sports ambassador and more confident in holding conversations and presenting ideas.”
Sofiat, Level 3 Health and Social Care student, said:
“The leadership training has taught me new ways to promote sports and helped build my confidence to speak up in front of people. I think the programme is a good way for young people to build teamwork and social skills.”
Jeremy, Level 3 Sport Development student, added:
“The programme has been very enjoyable. I have gained a coaching qualification through it, as well as meeting experts from the Football Association who have shared their journey into coaching with m.. It has really helped with my confidence as the programme involves working with others, not only my peers from NewVIc, and interacting with other students from colleges all over the country!”
For more information about NewVIc or how to apply.
For more information about the AoC Student Leadership Programme visit here.