Former Lioness backs regional sport drive

More girls across the North East are being encouraged to get involved in sport through a new campaign focused on confidence, inclusion and participation.

Foundation of Light, Sunderland AFC’s official charity, is encouraging girls across Sunderland and the wider region to take part in a packed programme of football and participation events throughout June as part of the Together Through Sport initiative.

The campaign is being supported by former England Lioness and 2022 Queen of the Jungle Jill Scott and will include pathway trials, school tournaments and community sessions designed to create more opportunities for girls to get involved in sport.

Activities planned across the month include football tournaments, Wildcats and Little Lionesses sessions, Delilah’s Decathlon and a Big Sis, Little Sis event.

Jill 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.”

Together Through Sport brings together Foundation of Light, Newcastle United Foundation, Durham Cricket Foundation, Eagles Community Foundation and Newcastle Rugby Foundation in a regional partnership focused on breaking down barriers to participation.

The initiative is backed by North East mayor Kim McGuinness and forms part of wider ambitions to establish the North East as the UK’s first “Region of Sport”.

The Foundation of Light says the programme is designed to create safe, inclusive and inspiring opportunities for girls and young women across the region.

Chief executive Lesley Spuhler 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.”

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 here.

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