Teens encouraged to get off the couch and into sport at Girls Get Active Day

Being a teenage girl is hectic and often it’s a time when playing sport seems less important than hanging out with friends, doing school work or being glued to a screen.

The Canberra Girls Get Active Day aims to get girls of all ages out of the house, off their devices and, hopefully, reignite their interest in sport.

Organiser, Melba Tennis Club operations and talent director Sandy Moore, says between the age of 12 and 15, many girls lose interest in sport. It’s also a time when they’re worried about body image and often struggle with self-confidence.

She is encouraging girls to bring a friend, their mum or sister, and try their hand at a number of sports on offer at the free Girls Get Active Day organised by Tennis ACT.

“Teenage girls often fall out of sport, and it’s really important to get them motivated to get back into it in a space where they feel comfortable,” Sandy said.

“We hope girls will come along with their mum or a friend and enjoy a free day out.”

A leading coach, Sandy runs the successful Tennis4Teens program at the Melba Tennis Club and has been involved in a number of Women and Girls initiatives with Tennis Australia.

She says by making sport less competitive and more social, girls can have fun, make new friends and be comfortable in their own space.

Her tennis lessons often include yoga sessions, smoothie nights, where nutrition is the focus, and movie nights.

“In the classes I have found most girls come in pairs – with a friend, sister, their mum or someone they feel comfortable with,” she said.

“That’s why we’re encouraging girls to bring someone along to the Girls Get Active Day.”

There will be a host of sports on offer, not only tennis, and the first 200 girls aged under 12 through the gate will be given a free tennis racquet.

“The girls can have a go at various activities that have been tailored to all ages and all abilities, including volleyball, softball and fitness classes, and the mums can jump on the court for a free cardio workout,” Sandy said.

Girls can meet representatives from the Canberra Raiders, enjoy a fitness class with Next Gen and relax with a seated massage by Mel’s Massage. There will be roaming characters, face painting, tunes from a local DJ and Tennis Hot Shots classes running all morning.

No experience is needed, girls can simply turn up and have some fun.

Sandy says when mums and daughters play sport and have fun together it can build their relationship at a time when there might be some friction in the home.

“They can motivate and inspire each other to do something away from their home environment,” she said.

“This is a great opportunity for teens, and also their mums who may be looking to get back into a sport or fitness routine.”

The Girls Get Active Day will be held on Sunday 19 March from 10 am till 12 pm at the Canberra Tennis Centre in Lyneham, with food and beverages available on site.