Lioness Jill Scott wants to Get Girls Playing this June

Foundation of Light is encouraging more girls across Sunderland and the North East to get involved in sport this June through a packed month of football, activity and participation opportunities as part of Together Through Sport.

Supported by former England Lioness Jill Scott, the campaign will shine a light on the importance of giving every girl the chance to play, grow in confidence and feel part of a team.

Throughout June, hundreds of girls will take part in pathway trials, school tournaments and participation events delivered across the city, helping create more accessible opportunities for young people to engage in sport.

Together Through Sport is a regional collaboration bringing sports organisations together to tackle barriers to participation and ensure no child is left on the sidelines.

Jill Scott said: “This month is all about getting more girls involved in sport and showing that football is for everyone.

“There are loads of fun activities taking place across the North East through Together Through Sport, whether you’re completely new to football or already play regularly.

“It’s a chance to get involved, bring your friends, enjoy being active and hopefully inspire even more girls to give it a go.”

Lesley Spuhler, Foundation of Light Chief Executive added: “We know the positive difference sport can make to confidence, wellbeing, friendships and future opportunities, which is why creating accessible opportunities for girls and young women remains such an important focus for us.

“Together Through Sport shows what can be achieved when organisations across the North East work together with a shared goal of ensuring every young person has the opportunity to take part, feel included and thrive.

“Get Girls Playing Month is about raising awareness, creating opportunities and inspiring more girls to see sport as something that is for them.”

Activity throughout the month will include girls pathway trials, football tournaments, Delilah’s Decathlon, Big Sis, Little Sis event, Wildcats and Little Lionesses football sessions.

The programme forms part of Foundation of Light’s continued commitment to creating safe, inclusive and inspiring opportunities for girls and young women through sport.

Together Through Sport is a regional collaboration bringing together Foundation of Light, Newcastle United Foundation, Durham Cricket Foundation, Eagles Community Foundation and Newcastle Rugby Foundation to tackle barriers to participation and ensure no child is left on the sidelines.

It supports the wider ambition of establishing the North East as the UK’s first Region of Sport, using the power of clubs, charities and community organisations to create opportunities for local people.

Visit www.foundationoflight.co.uk for full details on activities happening throughout June.

Supporters can help make a difference by texting TOGETHERFIVE to 70085 to donate £5 (texts cost £5 plus one standard network rate message) or by visiting the campaign page on JustGiving https://www.justgiving.com/campaign/sport