Local Girls Get Active Through ‘Like A Girl’ Celebration

Over 80 girls from four local schools came together at Lagan Valley LeisurePlex on Thursday 5th November to celebrate the success of the ‘Like A Girl’ programme.

The programme was funded by Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council in partnership with Boxing Ireland, Ulster Badminton and Olympic Handball.

The four-week programme involved pupils from Laurelhill Community College, St Patrick’s Academy, Breda Academy and Dundonald High School. It was aimed at girls in Years 9 and 10 who do not currently take part in sport.

Each school took part in a series of sessions designed to build confidence, develop new skills and encourage more girls to get involved in physical activity.

The programme began with a ‘Glow Girls’ workshop, focusing on confidence and self-esteem. This was followed by practical sessions in boxing, badminton and Olympic handball, giving pupils the opportunity to try new sports in a fun and supportive environment.

Speaking at the celebration, Councillor Sharon Lowry, Chair of the Communities and Wellbeing Committee, said: “Many girls lose confidence or disengage from sport in their early teenage years. Programmes like this help break down barriers and build self-esteem and show young women that sport is for everyone.

‘Like A Girl’ celebrates strength, skill and confidence. It turns a phrase sometimes used negatively into something positive.

Congratulations to the girls from all four schools for getting involved.

Thank you to the coaches from Boxing Ireland, Ulster Badminton and Olympic Handball, and everyone who made the programme possible.”

Pictured: Councillor Sharon Lowry, Chair of the Communities and Wellbeing Committee with pupils from Laurelhill Community College, St Patrick’s Academy, Breda Academy and Dundonald High School, alongside Lynsey McMillan, Female Boxing Ireland and Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council Community Sports Development Officer, Christine Cooke.