To mark Women and Girls in Sport Week, Scottish Government Ministers have visited sports projects across Glasgow that are working to encourage more women and girls to be active.
The week (October 6-12) is designed to show women that whatever their age, background, location or level of fitness, there is a sport or physical activity that’s right for them. The aim is to reach as many women and girls as possible and help them to experience the physical, mental and social benefits which all come from being active.
The campaign also provides an opportunity to promote the visibility and participation of women and girls as role models in sport and physical activity to help break the barriers to sport that women and girls face.
Today, Minister for Public Finance, Ivan McKee, joined sportscotland Chief Executive Forbes Dunlop at Budhill Park to visit Glasgow Girls FC. As a women and girls only club they are helping many women in the area get active and providing a social connection for a lot of women who wouldn’t be engaged in sport at all without the club.
The club are introducing walking football sessions aimed at older women and host regular women only open sessions to encourage new people to join.
On Wednesday, Minister for Drugs and Alcohol Policy and Sport, Maree Todd visited Glasgow Indoor Bowling Club in the city’s south side where Scotland faced Australia in a test match, the match was part of both countries preparations for the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games. During the visit she met members of the women’s national team and para national teams.
Siobhian Brown, Minister for Victims and Community Safety, was at Shettleston Boxing Club on Tuesday. Shettleston Boxing Club was established in 2023 to give the community a positive alternative to deprivation and gang culture. Run by local volunteers, it stands as a place of opportunity and community spirit. It is a community club that wants to create a safe space for those living in Shettleston to help them explore their love of boxing, enjoy sport with others, and to have somewhere to go when they need a friendly face.
They are focussed on inclusivity, affordability and giving back to the community. It is community driven and understands what the community needs. The Club have a targeted diversionary project in partnership with local community police officers which will help reduce anti-social behaviour in the area and help support those participants in a safe and positive environment.
Sport Minister Maree Todd said: “Scottish Women and Girls in Sport Week is all about celebrating the many ways in which women and girls stay active - whether it’s taking part at the local park, coaching the next generation, or competing at the highest level.
“This week is a great opportunity to increase the visibility of women and girls being active, inspiring others to also get involved.
“Sport makes us feel good, it is fun, and it allows us to connect with others. I encourage everyone to get involved in whatever way works for them.”
Nadine Graham, Club Secretary at Shettleston Boxing Club, said: “At Shettleston Boxing Club we believe boxing is about more than the ring it’s about discipline, respect and opportunity.
"We are proud to open our doors equally to boys, girls, men and women, ensuring everyone in our community has the chance to grow in strength, confidence and ambition.”
In its ninth year, Women and Girls in Sport Week’s theme is celebrating being active. Helping empower people to be active and emphasising that even small amounts of activity can be extremely valuable while celebrating people and clubs who are removing barriers which discourage women and girls from participating in sport.
Chief Executive of sportscotland, Forbes Dunlop, said: “Women and Girls in Sport Week is a fantastic opportunity to showcase the great work being delivered across the sporting system to encourage more women and girls to become physically active.
“Sport makes a huge impact on people and communities across Scotland every day, and sportscotland’s aim is to help make sport accessible to all.
"We must continue to do all we can to break down barriers to sport and help ensure women and girls are able to experience the benefits of being physically active.”
