• Taking place from 12th-19th June, the first-ever This Girl Can Week celebrates how exercise can make women feel happier, stronger and free
• After a year in which many women have felt unable to put their own needs first, TGC Week is encouraging women across the country to take time to ‘choose you’
• Hampshire FA is supporting the week by highlighting the recreational football opportunities across the County as part of our ‘Find Your Feet’ programme

After a year of disruption and women’s activity levels decreasing, the This Girl Can campaign is encouraging all women to take time out to get active with a dedicated ‘This Girl Can Week’ from 12th-19th June.

The week comes following Sport England’s research which shows that women have particularly struggled to maintain their activity habits during the coronavirus pandemic. Further data shows that women are less likely to return to activity than men, with the most prevalent barriers including not feeling fit enough, childcare responsibilities and worries about COVID-19.

With the message of ‘it’s time to choose you’ in mind, the week is about putting the spotlight on women and exercise, celebrating how getting active can make women feel happier, stronger, and free. Whether they choose to do a brisk walk, a slow run, a trip to the pool or dance round the living room with friends – it all counts.

Hampshire FA will be supporting the week, encouraging women to ‘choose you’ and get active in a way that works for them for the benefit of their wellbeing. ‘Find Your Feet’ is our dedicated programme designed for women to try football for the first time, return to the game, or simply just for fun, fitness or socialising. Sessions are flexible, accessible and allow you to just turn up and play without the commitment of traditional formats. These are located across the county and you can find your nearest by clicking HERE or contacting our Women’s Recreational Football Development Officer, Hannah (Hannah.Humphreys@HampshireFA.com).

Kate Dale, This Girl Can Campaign Lead, said: “We know that the last year has been especially difficult for women when it comes to doing something for themselves, particularly when it comes to getting physically active.

The work we do through This Girl Can aims to frame exercise in a way that highlights each and every benefit we can all get from moving more, like feeling healthier, better mental and emotional health, flexibility, building strength and – most importantly – having fun.

Through our first-ever This Girl Can Week, we want to help inspire and encourage women to become more active while showcasing the many fantastic ways they can do so. No matter your shape, size or ability, now is the time to choose you and celebrate moving your body in whatever way makes you feel good.”