Women in Sport at Brent Cross Town

Women in Sport and a host of partners have launched a new initiative called the Big Sister programme. The programme has been designed by girls for girls to help them find and reclaim the joy of sport and exercise during puberty.

In the UK at the moment, many teenage girls are disengaging from sport and exercise and Big Sister aims to challenge the stigmas and gender stereotypes that prevent girls from living happy, healthy, and active lives. Studies have shown that regular exercise can help to prevent numerous issues that affect the lives of girls and women in particular, from anxiety and self-harm during the teenage years to osteoporosis in later life.

We’re proud to announce we’ve partnered with Women in Sport, who have guided us on the best practice to ensure girls and women feel included in the sports and play facilities at Brent Cross Town.

In fifty acres of parks and playing fields we’ll aim to unite women and girls with traditional sports like netball and hockey; challenger sports like skateboarding and BMX and social sports that include teqball and table tennis.

“But currently too many women and girls miss out, due to gender stereotypes and cultural norms. Brent Cross Town is a rare example of new thinking that has the power to break that pattern,” says Stephanie Hillbourne, CEO of Women in Sport.

Big Sister will provide girls with an extensive range of resources and support – created and shaped by other girls – to enable them to find out about the changes that happen to their bodies whilst offering ways to improve self-belief and wellbeing. Teens are also encouraged to visit the Big Sister online digital hub where they can access free content, support, and practical advice and they’ll also be offered a six-month free gym membership.

At Brent Cross Town, we are creating outdoor gyms that are free all year round to ensure finance never stands in the way of fitness, especially for teens. We’ll also host weekly park runs open to all ages to ensure we have health, fitness, and well-being at the very heart of the town.

Big Sister is funded by the DCMS Tampon Tax led by Women in Sport and a consortium of partners: Places for People’s charity Places Foundation and local leisure provider Places Leisure and Hey Girls Community Interest Company